by Christina Jones
As a result of new parking rules, WHS students are now allowed to park in 41 spots along the fence of the faculty parking lot. A permit system is being developed by the school and will be implemented in the near future, according to Principal Mr. Peter Renwick.
According to westfieldpatch.com, residents complained that students were littering, smoking marijuana in parked cars before school and speeding. As a result, Codding Road, Dorian Court, Dorian Place, Dorian Road, Edgar Road, Nottingham Place and Shadowlawn Drive now only allow street parking on one side.
Over the summer, WHS and EIS expanded their parking availability to address this loss.
“The Town Council and BOE developed a plan to increase traffic safety and improve the quality of life of the residential neighborhood surrounding the high school,” said Fourth Ward Councilman Mr. Keith Loughlin.
The Armory parking lot was re-striped to add 19 more spaces, and EIS’ lot was expanded to include 55 more spaces. A bus cut-in on Rahway Avenue was also added to help improve traffic flow, according to Loughlin.
Teachers who originally parked in the spots now allotted for students have been relocated to the Armory parking lot.
Physics Teacher Mr. Josh Garodnick said: “I personally don’t have a problem with students parking in the lot. However, teachers should not have to park outside the lot to make room for student parking.”
Said Renwick: “I have been very pleased with how the parking has gone so far in the WHS lot. The new parking spots are certainly a privilege that can be lost should students not respect and adhere to my administration’s expectations.”
WHS will be establishing a permit system to monitor student parking.
“Our Public Safety, Transportation and Parking Committee is working with Principal Renwick to develop a parking permit plan that will enable all students…to drive to school and park in close proximity,” said Loughlin.
Said Student Government President Alex Jeffery: “I think that [parking] should be first-come first served. I also strongly believe that the permits should not cost any money for the students.”
Said Loughlin, “With the expanded off-street lots, I am confident that we have a solution that appeases both residents and students.”
Over the summer, WHS and EIS expanded their parking availability to address this loss.
“The Town Council and BOE developed a plan to increase traffic safety and improve the quality of life of the residential neighborhood surrounding the high school,” said Fourth Ward Councilman Mr. Keith Loughlin.
The Armory parking lot was re-striped to add 19 more spaces, and EIS’ lot was expanded to include 55 more spaces. A bus cut-in on Rahway Avenue was also added to help improve traffic flow, according to Loughlin.
Teachers who originally parked in the spots now allotted for students have been relocated to the Armory parking lot.
Physics Teacher Mr. Josh Garodnick said: “I personally don’t have a problem with students parking in the lot. However, teachers should not have to park outside the lot to make room for student parking.”
Said Renwick: “I have been very pleased with how the parking has gone so far in the WHS lot. The new parking spots are certainly a privilege that can be lost should students not respect and adhere to my administration’s expectations.”
WHS will be establishing a permit system to monitor student parking.
“Our Public Safety, Transportation and Parking Committee is working with Principal Renwick to develop a parking permit plan that will enable all students…to drive to school and park in close proximity,” said Loughlin.
Said Student Government President Alex Jeffery: “I think that [parking] should be first-come first served. I also strongly believe that the permits should not cost any money for the students.”
Said Loughlin, “With the expanded off-street lots, I am confident that we have a solution that appeases both residents and students.”