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State keeps 45-mph limit by Glendale Elementary; district to explore flashing beacons
Summary
NYSDOT reviewed vehicle speeds and accident history and will keep the posted 45 mph limit near Glendale Elementary. The agency suggested flashing beacons; the superintendent said the district will pursue installation details and seek funding options.
The New York State Department of Transportation has declined to lower the posted speed limit on the stretch of Second Upper Road in front of Glendale Elementary, district Superintendent Susan Schwartz told the board on July 13. NYSDOT’s letter found the roadway properly posted at 45 miles per hour after reviewing speed, accident history and topography.
"They feel confident that it's set correctly," Schwartz said, summarizing the agency response. The department suggested the district consider installing flashing beacons near or adjacent to the school-zone signs to increase driver awareness; Schwartz said she forwarded the installation requirements and contact information to the district’s interim facilities director, architects and local police.
Schwartz said the district would be responsible for initial installation costs and would pay the state a nominal fee to maintain the beacons — "about $1,300 annually," she said. She also said she had reached out to Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh and Senator Fahey to ask whether state funding could help cover installation costs; Walsh’s office has not identified funds yet, and Schwartz had not heard back from Senator Fahey’s office by the meeting.
Board members asked about a fence timeline and about school resource officer coverage; Schwartz said she would confirm contract/fence start dates and that SROs are expected to be present during arrival and (ideally) dismissal while staffing allows. A board member asked where residents should appeal the NYSDOT decision; Schwartz offered to provide the name of the official who signed the letter and encouraged constituents to contact regional DOT staff and their legislators if they want to pursue the matter further.
