The family of Edward Tomcics and their Water Street neighbors attended the Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners meeting Jan. 13 to share their frustrations and concerns for the safety of Darktown residents.

Edward Tomcics was killed Christmas night 2024 when a vehicle struck him while he was crossing the street to his house. His wife, Barbara, reported their oldest granddaughter found him lying in the street.

Barbara Tomcics spoke at the meeting, along with her daughter and many of their neighbors from Water Street, about their safety concerns in that section of the township.

“I lost my husband, my two daughters lost their father, and five young girls lost their grandfather — because of a man speeding on our street,” Barbara Tomcics said. “I thought I’d have my husband for many more years.

“My grandchildren are out there every night with signs on to slow down speeding,” she said. “Do those girls have to do your job instead of someone putting speed bumps on our streets, making speeders slow down?

“It’s time for speed bumps,” she said.

Barbara Tomcics also noted she is still waiting for the full police report from the incident.

Mayor Joseph J. Marx said the investigation is still underway, and the public won’t have answers until the investigation is complete.

Marcia Pacchiolio, the daughter of Barbara and Edward Tomcics, noted the span of the street won’t allow for a bus stop there. She said she drives her children to school so they don’t need to walk to Butz and Second streets to board a bus.

Water Street neighbors said he was the best neighbor and best friend they could have.

“I want to extend my sympathy to the Tomcics family for the tragic loss,” Marx said. “I didn’t want to go here, but this tragic death should not be used politically. His family and the neighbors of Darktown need time to heal. Emotions are raw.

“No one wanted to see this tragic event happen,” he said. “If I could turn back the clock, I would.”

Marx proposed the idea of turning Water Street into a cul-de-sac, after having, he said, extensive conversations with the engineers, solicitor and fire and police chiefs. He noted he doesn’t know if he has the power to authorize this, but he would like to see it happen for the residents of Darktown.

Marx said, if it’s possible and it’s agreeable to the residents, barriers could be placed to stop thru-traffic at Eberhart Road and Lehigh Street. He said having the only entrance point at the bridge side would calm traffic.

“According to Pennsylvania regulations and what I’m told by our engineers, speed bumps will not work,” Marx added. “It can lead to bigger problems.”

Other residents also voiced concerns and frustrations with the situation. They all cited the speeds of cars passing through and the danger to residents and children living there. Many of them voiced their support for Marx’s proposed plan.

“This whole board is sorry,” Commissioner Ken Snyder said. “The chief of police sitting in the back tonight — he has responsibilities. He’s sorry. The first responder who showed up tonight is sorry.

“The guy that was involved in the accident — he’s reliving it every day and night and wonders if he could have, should have or would have,” Snyder said.

At the end of the meeting, commissioners and Marx expressed their deepest sympathy and condolences to the Tomcics family and all of the residents of Darktown.

“I’d like to sit down with the neighborhood, talk to everyone and see where they’re at,” Marx said. “If they’re all agreeable, let democracy rule.

“He was the mayor of Darktown,” he added, “and I respect that. He should be remembered in that way.”