MEDINA, Ohio — Medina is one step closer to improving public safety for pedestrians in the city’s Public Plaza for people like Gina Garapic, who said she almost saw an accident Monday.

But before any changes can begin, community input is sought.

“While we were sitting there, we saw two ladies crossing the street and cars were coming towards them and the sign was flashing and people weren’t even stopping,” said Medina resident Gina Garapic.

In September, News 5 spoke with Medina City Council President John Coyne after council members passed legislation to apply for grants to make several improvements, including adding overhangs to widen the sidewalk and shorten traffic. pedestrians at each intersection in the square.

Medina City Council seeks grants to improve pedestrian safety in this popular area

RELATED: Medina City Council seeks grants to improve pedestrian safety in this popular area

This comes after News 5 reported on several incidents of people being hit by cars in Medina Public Square.

Among them is the most recent incident that occurred in March 2024, when body camera footage from the Medina Police Department showed the moment John McKay’s 9-year-old son was hit by a car while the boy was walking to school..

“Receiving a phone call informing me that my son had just been hit by a car was probably one of the hardest calls I’ve ever had,” McKay said in September 2024.

Since then, Medina police told News 5 in an email that there have been two incidents where pedestrians were struck around Medina Square.

Coyne said this further motivated council members to seek funding for safety through the Ohio Department of Transportation, which he said they received faster than he expected.

“You have to make sure you provide the safest environment possible because the plaza is a busy plaza,” Coyne said.

Although the $1.8 million project is not expected to begin until April 2026, City Engineer Patrick Patton said there is already a rendering and plans on the city website to repave Court Street from Lafayette Street, as well as make improvements such as repairs of sidewalks, improvements to ADA facilities and Signal Modifications for pedestrian buttons.

Also included are the hits, which cost $500,000.

“I’m glad to know they’re doing something to improve security in the plaza,” Garapic said.

In a text message, McKay said he believes the gaps could slow traffic. Still, he said it doesn’t actually increase awareness, so he encourages drivers to focus on the road and the pedestrians around them.

“We know that this will not solve the problem. I think it will be a huge improvement and benefit,” Patton said.

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