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Sachem board pauses decision on gate at Mapleton Avenue entrance, asks administration for usage data
Summary
Board members heard a resident’s request to install a gate between Mapleton Avenue and Linwood School property, discussed safety and access trade-offs, and asked district staff to gather counts and other information before taking action.
The Sachem Central School District Board of Education discussed a resident’s request to install a lockable gate on school property where Mapleton Avenue abuts Linwood School, but did not make a final decision. Board members asked administrators to gather usage data and return the item as old business at a future meeting.
The issue traces to an opening from Mapleton Avenue onto school grounds that a resident said is being used by drivers at drop-off and pickup and is causing damage to private property, including mailboxes and sprinkler heads. Board members noted the same resident had petitioned about 50 years ago to create the opening to make it easier for her children to walk to school.
Board members and staff described competing concerns: a resident asking for the gate to protect property and reduce fast driving near homes; students who live on or near the block who use the opening to walk to school; and the district’s interest in perimeter security. District staff told the board that town enforcement and repeated reminders had reduced usage. The board was told town no-parking signs and tickets have reduced parked cars on the street and that security and school newsletters have been used to ask families to be respectful.
Administrators said usage at arrival has fallen from roughly 15–20 families earlier in the year to “about 2 to 3” at arrival and “3 to 4” at dismissal, according to the community member who raised the complaint. Board members asked administration to confirm those figures with principals and security logs and to identify whether any students who walk live on the block and would be affected by a locked gate.
Several members urged caution about installing a gate that would force walkers to walk around longer routes or shift traffic to other neighborhood streets. Members also noted that the fence and potential gate sit on district property, not on the public road, meaning the board would control whether a gate is installed and locked.
Rather than act at the June 18 meeting, the board agreed to have administration collect data on current use, identify walkers who would be affected, and report back so the board can make an informed decision. The item was continued as old business and will return to a future meeting for a decision.
Ending
The board did not vote to install or to deny a gate at Mapleton Avenue on June 18. District staff will provide a usage report and related information to the board for a future decision.
