New charter school plans spark community safety concerns

November 16, 2024 | Morgantown, Monongalia County, West Virginia


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New charter school plans spark community safety concerns
In a recent government meeting, plans for the Wisdom Academy, a new public charter school set to open in the fall of 2025, were discussed in detail. The proposed school will feature 10 classrooms, a library, a resource center, and a multipurpose hall, accommodating a maximum of 200 students by 2031. This is a reduction from an initial proposal of 14 classrooms.

The meeting highlighted the school's commitment to addressing community concerns, particularly regarding traffic and pedestrian safety. The applicant, Abdul Tarabishi, emphasized that the school would implement measures to prevent vehicle queuing on South High Street and would coordinate drop-off and pick-up times to avoid overlap with Morgantown High School's schedule. The school plans to provide bus services for students and has already secured a bus for this purpose.

Traffic management strategies were a focal point of the discussion. The West Virginia Division of Highways has committed to making improvements at the intersection of Prairie and South High Streets to enhance pedestrian safety. The applicant also mentioned that crossing guards would be hired to manage traffic during peak times, with potential support from the Morgantown Police Department.

Concerns were raised about the adequacy of parking and the potential for traffic congestion. However, the applicant assured that the parking arrangements, which include up to 24 spaces near University Avenue, would meet the development standards for the project. Traffic studies conducted by HRG Engineering indicated that the school would not significantly impact local traffic patterns.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from the school representatives to continue engaging with the community and addressing any concerns as the project progresses. The Wisdom Academy aims to provide educational choices for families while ensuring the safety and well-being of students and local residents.

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