Residents warn Hiawatha Avenue traffic could worsen after Summit School consolidation

Several Essex Junction residents urged the City Council on April 23 to address traffic safety near Hiawatha Avenue schools, saying the planned consolidation of Summit School into Hiawatha will add more drivers, parked cars and pedestrian risk.

Longtime Hiawatha resident Linda Hanson told the council she has lived on Hiawatha Avenue for more than 50 years and described an incident in which her 4‑year‑old grandson nearly walked between parked cars into the path of oncoming traffic after she slipped on an icy sidewalk. "I slipped and fell and lost control of his hand. And he went out between 2 parked cars and almost got hit because there was a car coming down," Hanson said.

Hanson and other residents said drivers exceed speed limits, park on lawns and block driveways during arrival and dismissal. She said parents are beginning to use nearby Grama Avenue for overflow parking and that there has been talk—unconfirmed to Hanson—about making the school exit to West Street two‑way. Hanson asked whether an on‑duty officer could be stationed at Hiawatha during arrival and dismissal.

Marcus (identified only by first name in the record) read a written statement from Debbie and Roger Curtis, Hiawatha residents who said they have seen times when "no emergency vehicle could get through the traffic" and estimated that between "a hundred and 185 students" could be added when Summit consolidates into Hiawatha.

Council members and city staff responded that some elements of the concern involve school district property and decisions. A council speaker told Hanson that modifications such as widening or changing traffic flow on school property are "not up to us" and would rest with the school board. Staff offered to observe arrival and dismissal from the city's perspective and provide guidance; they said a traffic study or other steps could be pursued but noted the school district appears to control certain property decisions. The council also suggested residents could petition the school board as an avenue for change.

The council did not take formal action at the meeting; staff committed to follow up with Hanson and to provide available assistance, including observation and guidance for traffic management. The exchange highlighted community concern about child safety, informal parking overflow into residential blocks and the limits of municipal authority over school property.