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Wednesday, February 05, 2003

By Al Lowe, Tri-State Sports & News Service

Brentwood School Board President Jim Bombara often drives his son and daughter to the high school/middle school and drops them along Kaiser Drive, formerly known as Park Drive.

Now he and other school and borough officials are considering asking other drivers who drop off their children to use the same route to reduce the daily traffic hassle.

Bombara received a favorable response when he made his suggestion at a joint meeting of the school board and council.

Part of the plan would include closing the circle in front of the school to traffic except for special instances, such as a bus transporting students.

Brentwood does not regularly offer bus service, and nearly all students walk to school.

Officials believed such a change would eliminate long lines of cars trying to enter and leave the circle. Drivers would use Kaiser Drive next to the library and drop off students at a side entrance. They could then turn around and return to Brownsville Road.

Officials stressed that the plan is only under consideration, and they would welcome public input on the proposal. If officials decided to implement the change, they would notify residents through the school newsletter "News and Views" and by telling the news media.

Police Chief Robert Butelli was unable to attend the Jan. 28 joint session, one of four planned for this year.

"It's a perfect idea," he said later. "It should take pressure off that intersection and the crossing guard. It should alleviate congestion."

The chief said he had met with the superintendent and school security officials and had already heard about the proposal.

Attending the session were all council members, School Superintendent Anne Stephens and School Directors Bombara, Julia McCarthy, Bob Pasquantonio and Donna Werner.

Council members told the directors they thought some teachers and students were using borough spaces at the Civic Center and along Kaiser Drive and asked for cooperation in keeping the spaces for their intended use.

Council also asked for help regarding what Council President Fred Swanson called "herds" of children crossing Brownsville Road at the wrong place and creating a safety problem.

Instead of crossing at the crosswalk, they walk through busy traffic so they can frequent the mini-mart across the street.

"After school, they're in a hurry to get their pop," Councilwoman Mary Dytko said.

"It's like a race, and then they all stand outside the store. It's like there's an award to be the first one," Swanson said.

School officials said they would see if they had enough security manpower to handle the problem.