Recommendation
This item was brought forward by the School District and Ald. Pieper. The school district is rerouting children that are no longer going to Blair School due to the school’s closure. The children are now going to Hawthorne School. Due to this change, the School District is directing children to use Hine Avenue to get to Hawthorne School. Since Hine Avenue crosses Summit Avenue, the school district is requesting the installation of School Zone crossing signs at the intersection of Summit Avenue and Hine Avenue. There is currently a painted crosswalk but no signing. The school districted has, with police department approval, reassigned a crossing guard to be at Summit Avenue and Hine Avenue. This sign request has some urgency to get the signing in place for the 2019-20 school year.
The Department of Public Works has reviewed this item and has concerns about a school crossing on Summit Avenue at Hine Avenue. The department would rather see children directed to Moreland Blvd. and cross at the traffic signal. However, the school district has indicated that it would be difficult to direct all children to Moreland Blvd. and they would rather cross them at Hine Avenue. The children will use Hine Avenue and end up at the traffic signal at Moreland Blvd. and Hine Avenue which is the safe crossing at Hawthorne School. Additionally, it is noted that a crossing guard will be located at Summit Avenue and Hine Avenue and that would provide a safer crossing than will no guard. The cost for this signing will be around $400.