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Board raises safety and space concerns after Monroe County proposes roundabout that would take Seneca School grounds
Summary
Monroe County transportation staff floated a concept to acquire a portion of Seneca School grounds for a roundabout; the board expressed concerns about lost play area, emergency evacuation space and pedestrian safety and asked staff to seek more details.
WEST IRONDEQUOIT, N.Y. — A Monroe County Department of Transportation concept to reconfigure traffic near Seneca School — including a possible roundabout that would require taking a portion of school grounds — prompted concerns from the West Irondequoit Board of Education at its Jan. 9 meeting.
Superintendent Dr. Johnson told the board the county project manager asked the district for its reaction to the concept before the county holds public outreach. "Their core question to the district is really what's our response to them taking that land that's described here, shown at the Seneca School," Dr. Johnson said.
Board concerns: Members raised several substantive objections if the county moves forward with an acquisition or easement. Concerns included the percentage of usable playfield lost (board members estimated roughly 25–30% of the usable field inside the red shaded area), impacts on recess, physical education and outdoor learning, reduced space in the event of an evacuation, and pedestrian safety around a roundabout.
Safety questions: Board members questioned whether a roundabout would improve safety for students who walk to school. One board member noted that the current intersection is programmed so that, when the walk button is pressed, traffic stops in all directions; a roundabout would change those traffic patterns. Members asked about barriers such as bollards, additional crossing guards, and whether enhanced pedestrian signals might be an alternative to a roundabout.
Property and process questions: The superintendent said the county had described other alternatives — enhanced signals and pedestrian improvements — but that the roundabout was among concepts discussed. He also said the district is clarifying legal and property questions (including whether the county would pursue eminent domain or negotiate purchase) and would ask county staff for additional details and timeline. Board members requested square‑footage estimates of land to be taken, details about replacement fencing and plans for replacing playground or community amenities if land were acquired.
Next steps: Dr. Johnson said he would seek more detailed plans from the county and request a meeting with the county traffic consultant, and he would report back to the board. The county indicated it wants the district’s preliminary reaction before scheduling public outreach in February and March.
Ending: Board members asked staff to press the county for alternatives that preserve school grounds and to provide precise measurements and safety engineering details before any final decision or public presentation.
