Town's help is sought to keep parking lot safe
Parkview lot can be safety hazard during after-school pickups
BY JESSICA SMITH
Staff Writer

JESSICA SMITH A sign outside Milltown's Parkview School indicates that parents cannot use the parking lot adjacent to the school for picking up or dropping off students.

MILLTOWN - School officials want to heighten safety in the Parkview School's parking lot by cracking down on parents who park there when picking up their children in the afternoon.

"We're trying to be as safe as possible, but some people think the rules are not made for them," Superintendent of Schools Linda Madison said.

There are signs posted in the lot to inform drivers that dropping off or picking up students is prohibited there, but they are often disregarded, according to Madison.

Parents are supposed to park in the public lot across the street. There is a crossing guard there so children can safely meet their parents in that lot after school.

Madison sent a letter to Mayor Gloria Bradford and the Borough Council requesting enforcement of the parking rules at Parkview. Bradford said officials are looking into other options before drafting an ordinance.

While the issue was discussed at the Feb. 13 council meeting, no action was taken that night.

Councilman John Collins, who heads the council's public safety committee, is planning to meet with Madison and Chief of Police Raymond Geipel in order to find a workable resolution to the issue.

"Quite honestly, we don't have the manpower to police that lot every day," Bradford said.

Madison said she understands the limitations of the police department because of its size, and she appreciates all they do for the school system.

"I need this to be enforced," Madison said. "I'm not even asking them to write a ticket."

Geipel asked Madison to write a letter authorizing the police department to enforce the parking rules, which she did.

The parking restrictions are discussed in the pupil/parent handbook, as well as in a letter Madison sends to parents at the beginning of each year.

The need for extra safety measures became even more apparent in recent weeks when a child was nearly hit while running across the parking lot to meet up with his parents, Madison said.

"They are little kids, so if you're backing up, you may not see them," Madison said.

The danger presented in the afternoon is not a problem in the morning, Madison said, because parents discharge students from their cars in the designated drop-off loop. One parent and one teacher volunteer help to expedite the morning drop-off process by opening car doors and guiding children on their way.