Resident warns council: ‘Someone is going to get run over’ at school pickup; council pledges to coordinate with police and schools

A Boonton resident who gave his address during public comment urged the council to act after repeated near-misses during school drop-off and pick-up at Reservoir Drive and Monroe Street.

“I’m very, very concerned that somebody is going to get run over,” the resident, who identified himself as Tom, said during an extended public-comment period. He described long lines of cars, vehicles parked close to a fire hydrant and a corner with limited visibility (a large pine tree noted), children running between cars, and parents parking on the town-owned verge to wait for students. The resident requested painted hash marks or a yellow curb, clearer pickup rules, and stepped-up enforcement.

Council members acknowledged the safety concerns and said the matter requires coordination between the police department and the Board of Education. Council members Deneia and Mian (as noted in the meeting record) said they would bring the issue to appropriate officials. One councilor reported a text from the chief indicating crews painted on Monroe Road that day; councilors also noted the town has a traffic-safety-trained officer who can be deployed for enforcement and coordination.

The resident also raised neighborhood maintenance concerns — littering near the school and use of the town-owned verge — and said he has cleaned the area himself. Councilors thanked him for raising the issue and said they would pursue short-term enforcement and longer-term striping or signage improvements, subject to scheduling and budgets for pavement markings.

The council logged the item for follow-up with the police department and the Board of Education.