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

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

“As I was sitting there, I saw two ladies crossing the street and cars were just coming towards them and the signal is flashing and people don’t even stop,” Medina resident Gina Garapic said.

In September, News 5 spoke with Medina City Council President John Coyne after council members passed legislation to seek grants to make more improvements, including adding exits to widen the curb and crosswalk shorter each time you pass through the market.

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

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

This comes after News 5 reported several incidents where people were hit by cars in Medina Public Square.

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

“Getting the phone call 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 of pedestrians being hit around Medina Square.

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

“You want to make sure you’re providing the safest environment possible because the square is a busy square,” 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’s website to redevelop Court Street at Lafayette Street, in addition to making improvements such as sidewalk repairs, upgrading ADA facilities, and signal changes for pedestrian buttons.

The bump-outs, which cost $500,000, are also included.

“I’m glad to hear they’re doing something to try to improve safety around the plaza,” Garapic said.

In a text message, McKay said he believed the explosions could slow traffic. However, he said it doesn’t actually raise awareness, so he encourages drivers to focus on the road and the pedestrians around them.

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

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