Board hears capital-committee plan to ease traffic at Meyers Corner parking lot

The Wappingers Central School District capital committee reported April 28 that it will work with county officials to find both temporary and long-term solutions to congestion and safety problems at the Meyers Corner parking lot.

Student board member Ash, who presented the committee update, said the committee invited county and town officials to a meeting on April 8 and that one near-term option under consideration is making the lot right-turn-only during morning drop-off and afternoon dismissal. Ash said the district will give input on traffic lights or traffic circles being considered by the county and will pursue district-level reconfiguration of internal traffic flow to reduce left turns and improve safety.

Trustees discussed bringing the district’s safety and security committee into the process to ensure broad stakeholder review of proposed changes. Board members noted that decisions about traffic signals and county roads rest with county officials and that any signal or roadway change is subject to county study and approval; the district emphasized it will advance what is within its purview and continue coordination with county legislators and town officials.

The capital committee also reported remaining closeout paperwork for 2023 capital projects, plans to upgrade audiovisual systems at Van Wipe Junior High School and technology-room upgrades at John J. and Ketchum high schools, and that Felinser Engineering will review alarm-system drawings for Meyers in preparation for submission to State Education Department requirements.

The capital committee said it will meet again the following Tuesday to continue planning and to coordinate next steps with county partners.