After two recent accidents involving student pedestrians near Persell Middle School, Jamestown Public Schools (JPS) and the City of Jamestown have announced a partnership to conduct a traffic study for Baker and Hazeltine Avenues. The traffic study will be utilized to determine solutions to increase student and pedestrian safety around schools.
Jamestown Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Kevin Whitaker said in a statement, “The safety of our students is our highest priority. The recent incidents involving students crossing Hazeltine is highly concerning and it is important that we take action. We immediately increased supervision and monitoring during arrival and dismissal, and will continue to communicate with students and parents about crossing only in crosswalks. I have always found the City to be a collaborative partner, and I thank the Mayor for that. I know that we all look forward to working with Mayor Sundquist and his team on solutions to improve student and school zone safety throughout Jamestown.”
Jamestown Mayor Eddie Sundquist stated, “It is both the City’s and School District’s responsibility to ensure the safety of children within Jamestown. We are a walking school district, which sets up clear challenges and safety concerns at schools throughout the city. While we work on the traffic study for the Persell area specifically, the team at the City will be looking at other improvements to pedestrian safety at all Jamestown schools. I thank Dr. Whitaker for his leadership and collaboration on ensuring students remain safe.”
