An Accident Waiting To Happen

To the Editor:

Newtown High School students are walking along and crossing Route 34 and Wasserman Way during morning rush hour because they are not able to park their cars on campus. This is an accident waiting to happen! My daughter has been honked at, had a blue light turned on, and comments made to her as she crossed.

The parking situation at the high school is a difficult one. There are too few spaces with too many students requesting permission to park.

Yes, we are aware buses are available. However, this is not always a feasible option. Many students have after school obligations — sports, internships, family obligations, jobs, etc. Many have working parents who are not available to provide transportation to and from these activities.

I understand that there has to be limitations (by next year, it may be seniors only). This is not an easy fix and not everyone will be satisfied. However, year after year, roughly $70,000 is requested in the budget to add additional parking spaces. Year after year, the line item is removed.

The safety of the students using the Newtown Middle School auditorium was front page news. Money was found to fix this problem. I am asking the town leaders, Legislative Council, and the Board of Education to find $70,000 to add the requested parking spaces.

Please provide the funds before the front-page news reads, “Student injured trying to get to school.”

Thank you.

Janis R. Solheim

Co-President PTSA

11 Harvest Common Road, Sandy Hook                        April 4, 2007