March 21, 2012
Hello Parents and Caregivers of SPCNS kids!
During the first semester of this school year we had several automobile “incidents” while dropping off, and picking up students. At the January Board meeting we accepted the offers of Linda Leach (Parent/Trustee) and Mala Mason (Parent) - who volunteered to look into this troubling traffic situation. (Thanks Ladies!)
We spent time talking to Mary Lang, Church staff and parents, and observing traffic on Amberson Ave. We also looked into methods to avoid further incidents and improve the safety of our Church and School.
Our observations found the following problems:
1. There are many aggressive drivers coming from Fifth Avenue, turning onto Amberson during the morning rush hour/drop off time. With the staggered pick up times for 2 year olds, lunch bunch kids, and Wonderful Wednesdays-pick up times were much less hectic.
2. There are back ups in the circular drive when folks unload their cars before parking.
3. There is limited space in the circular drive due to the staff parking lot being full, and Church staff needing to use circular drive spots.
4. There are families who are un-loading kids on the street side of their cars, and crossing mid block instead of at the corner.
5. Amberson Ave. is dangerous simply due to the fact that the street allows for parking on both sides, and there is not enough street width remaining for two cars to pass.
6. Parking is also an issue on Sundays, and our Elders and Staff have decided to park on Fifth Ave (which is allowed on Sundays) to create more parking around the building.
Without going into too much detail, we spoke to the Traffic and Engineering Dept. of the City regarding crosswalks, additional stop signs, other signage, school zone designation, or speed bumps. None of these options were viable options for us. Therefore, we had to come up with our own plan.
Our solutions:
After speaking with parents and church staff, we have come up with an option to reduce traffic congestion on the Amberson side of our building.
Beginning April 10th, after Spring break is over, the Westminster Place entrance will be open for drop off from 8:50-9:15 am. Parking at the yellow curb will be permitted during this time. Sara Berg will be at the entrance to greet our families! Folks may proceed through our atrium and down the stairs to the Nursery School entrance where Mrs. Lang will continue to greet our kids. Families with strollers may easily access the Nursery School via the ramp at the Westminster Place entrance and inside the atrium. As you reach the receptionist desk at the other side of the atrium there is an elevator to the right to further accommodate stroller traffic. The elevator comes down right in the middle of the preschool hallway.
Our wonderful teachers have also helped us to alleviate some of the congestion around the circular driveway by freeing up parking spaces in the church’s staff parking lot and parking on the streets surrounding the school.
We all hope these changes will add an additional measure of safety for all of us. Please keep us informed of any other incidents, or speak with any Board Member or Mary with any further questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Your Board of Trustees
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