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Parents urge action on a 2.3-mile 'safe walking route'; city says staff will follow up
Summary
Parents and residents told council the designated safe walking route to South Hills Middle School is unsafe and lengthy (about 2.3 miles), lacks sidewalks and crossing guards; speakers asked the city to restore a promised school bus or produce interim safety measures. Staff and the mayor said they will follow up with the school district and staff to identify short-term solutions while long-term infrastructure (a planned $2M pedestrian overpass) proceeds.
Multiple parents and residents said the designated safe walking route to nearby schools is unsafe and burdensome. Shamay Sabin told the council the route designated for Western Springs students is "over 2 miles, 2.3 miles, and there's no crossing guards except for 1 location," and said children must cross several multi-lane intersections without sidewalks.
Speakers urged the council to work with the Jordan School District to restore a promised bus or provide interim transportation for students who face a hazardous walk. Staff acknowledged a county-funded pedestrian overpass is planned (the city previously set aside funds and obtained $2 million from the county toward an overpass), but said construction will not immediately resolve safety concerns for the current school year. The mayor said staff will take the safe-walking-route concerns to the executive staff meeting and follow up with residents.
