PSMS 278

traffic letters double park concerns.docx

April 17, 2019

Dear Parents,

I am writing to address a safety concern affecting our school community. During morning and afternoon drop-off and pick-up W219th and W220th Streets become extremely congested. While we are a zoned school, the peculiarity of our location at the edge of our zones means that we have a substantial number of students who come by bus or car in addition to heavy pedestrian traffic. This combination is jeopardized by the presence of double parked cars.

Double parked cars to drop-off or pickup students impede on the safety of many. Traffic going around the standing cars blocks oncoming traffic in the other direction, which may also be trying to navigate around standing vehicles. Stand-offs ensue until one party yields. Adding school buses to the mix brings traffic to a complete standstill on these blocks during these periods, even after the bus has finished unloading or loading due to oncoming double-parked traffic now blocking its route. Although a school zone, honking often ensues and traffic backs up into Broadway. Additionally, often when drivers see the stopped school bus or any kind of temporary traffic jam ahead, they often perform three point turns on the street to reverse direction. This is hazardous to those walking on the sidewalks or crossing the streets.

I have consulted with our Borough Safety Director Frank Jordan regarding this matter. He has informed me that starting Monday April 29, 2019 the New York Police Department will begin enforcing violations towards double parked and unauthorized parked cars on W219th and W220th Streets. Violating cars will be ticketed and possibly towed.

I know we all want what is best for our children and recognize the priority of safety above all others. I hope I can count on you to do your part to address this concern. Thank you in advance for your continued support.

Sincerely,

Lillian Reyes

Principal