×

Consider All Options To Improve Student Safety Near Persell

Anyone who has driven past Persell Middle School when students are arriving and leaving the school isn’t surprised two students have been struck by cars in the area.

And let’s not take the easy way out and blame drivers. Part of the problem is a steady stream of traffic with nowhere to go. Speed can be a problem, but in our view speed is far from the only issue.

On Hazeltine Avenue, drivers find their heads on a swivel looking for cars coming out of the drop-off loop, children crossing the road at any point that is convenient and cars trying to get through the mess leaving the 7-11 plaza parking lot. On Baker Street, there is a similar issue with traffic from a drop-off loop, children crossing Baker Street from several side streets and all of the additional traffic that comes with it.

As we said earlier this year, school zone safety encompasses much more than simply speed enforcement. Matthew Canby, a concerned parent, wants to see an additional crosswalk and traffic light at the corner of Hazeltine and Palmeter Street. In our opinion, restoring the blinking light on Baker Street to functional status would help, too. Lastly, perhaps some of the traffic needs to be diverted to Delaware Avenue, which is a longer walk for students than the 7-11 parking lot but comes with the benefit of much less traffic. It may also be time to consider the parking lot behind the school and divert traffic onto Harvard Street to Newland Avenue.

Perhaps the worst option is what is happening now — parents parked in the plaza parking lot with students dashing across the street.

We are approaching Christmas vacation. It’s as good a time as any to think about changes that don’t require a traffic study.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today