Sidewalks for Student Safety
The Generation Civics class is getting closer to their goal of getting sidewalks around PMHS.
Photo by Phoebe Lawson
The Generation Civics class at PMHS has begun the early stages of community action by speaking with both Councilman Neil Foley and the Brookhaven Highway department in an effort to install more sidewalks along Buffalo Avenue for the safety of walkers and drivers alike.
Each year, the Generation Citizen Civics class comes up with something they think is an issue in the community they would like to resolve.
“This class is very different than your traditional government class. It allows students to pick an issue that is relevant in their community, school, or town and try and solve it,” said Mr. Carlson.
This year, the class has been working all year to reach their goal to build a sidewalk for walkers to get a sense of tranquility and a safe feeling when they are walking to school.
“The roads are narrow so cars and busses get really close together, especially in the morning there is a lot of traffic and sometimes it is dark out and some students come close to contact with other cars and busses. I am not saying anyone got hurt but we want to keep preventing that and would really like to implement sidewalks to keep that safety and boundary,” said Angela Avecillas.
When teacher Mr. Carlson heard their idea, he knew they could accomplish their goal.
“This class decided to make the area around the school safer for walkers, especially in the morning, by trying to extend the sidewalks on Buffalo Avenue. We figured not only would this make it safer for the walkers who are walking to school but it will make it safer for the community in general,” said Mr. Carlson.
This past week, the class spoke with Councilman Neil Foley to address this issue; however, he was not the first person they spoke to on their journey.
People including workers and residents, the Director of Transportation as well as our Superintendent, Assistant Superintendents and Principal of Patchogue-Medford High School were all asked to give their input.
“One of our mainstays as officials is to keep the public safe,” said Councilman Neil Foley.
Student surveys, research and land analysis were conducted, dozens of phone calls and emails were made, interviews were scheduled and community meetings were attended in their effort to make a change.
“Sometimes when I am driving to school, it is dark outside since it is early in the morning and there will be kids that get close to the road and I have to slow down. Since there is a lot of traffic in the morning, busses get close and as a driver, iI drive extra slow since there are no sidewalks. It almost gives me anxiety, I don’t want to hit somebody,” said Colin Norman.
The process took time and a lot of work was put in by each student in the class to get to this point.
“There were a couple of ups and downs but the journey overall was successful and we got a lot of people to side with us on the issue,” said Angela Avecillas.
Any student living in a house located 0-1.5 miles away from the school in any given direction is not eligible for the free bussing provided by the school. Therefore, they must find alternative ways such as walking or driving.
“We were looking at from Jamaica Avenue on the north side because after Jamaica is a dead end, and coming south to Southaven Avenue,” said Councilman Neil Foley.
If the sidewalk is approved, it will most likely be built straight through with no interruptions, not broken up in any way and would be 2400 feet of new sidewalk and aprons.
“This is pretty much straightforward and is not a controversial issue, I personally don’t think it’s going to be a heavy lift getting the money,” said Councilman Neil Foley
The addition of sidewalks is not that simple. As mentioned by Kevin Geiger, they would have to be ADA compliant which refers to the Americans with Disabilities Act and means there must be sidewalk aprons to allow it to become level with the road. These aprons would have to be at each intersection, corner, and driveway the sidewalk will cross in order to meet the ADA requirements.
“The class puts the kids right in the political process and they realize they can make a change and do something that really helps their school”
— Mr. Carlson
The students are seeing the whole process and how much work goes into certain ideas. What once started as an idea on a piece of paper is now coming to life in front of their eyes.
“The class puts the kids right in the political process and they realize they can make a change and do something that really helps their school,” said Mr. Carlson.
After their meeting with Councilman Neil Foley this past week, students of the Generation Citizen Civics class are feeling more confident about their hard work.
“It wasn’t hard to get this idea into the community because we have very supportive councilmen and decision makers,” said Samantha Valladares.
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Kim • Jan 16, 2020 at 8:26 am
Great job! These sidewalks are long overdue and should extend the full length of Buffalo Avenue, from Woodside Avenue to Jamaica Avenue, as there are many students walking and driving this route. Sidewalks along all of Buffalo Avenue would make everyone safer. Thanks!
Sofia O • Jan 14, 2020 at 11:51 am
I believe that sidewalks are a good idea. Also, it’s beneficial for the safety of our students.
Olivia Thorgersen • Jan 14, 2020 at 11:47 am
I think it is important that the streets surrounding the school get sidewalks because the mornings are really hectic and dangerous for students with the cars rushing in and out of the neighborhood.
ciara mooney • Jan 14, 2020 at 11:44 am
I think this article is very informative and provides details that help to support the issue that the civics are working on this year. I like the amount of quotes that were included, it provides ideas from people that are affected by the sidewalks.
Abby Yoches • Jan 14, 2020 at 11:39 am
I LOVE the student involvement in community issues! It makes me very happy and hopeful that students are so passionate and concerned about things that should be fixed for our school and Patchogue-Medford areas.
Jeff • Jan 14, 2020 at 7:43 am
Please consider sidewalk on Southaven and Jamaica to service any children walking to school within the 1.5 miles that don’t receive buses. This should also be evaluated for Tremont and Oregon schools. Southaven and Jamaica are busy roads. Although The distance for buses may be closer then the 1.5 miles for elementary and middle schools. The students walking to those schools should also get sidewalks if busing aren’t provided to them.