Bridesburg Elementary School, 2824 Jenks St., is one of the schools near the busy intersection that is deemed unsafe. MIKALA JAMISON / STAR PHOTO
Neighbors in Bridesburg have expressed concern about a busy intersection that could spell trouble for school children.
At Orthodox and Richmond streets, closeby to Bridesburg Elementary School and All Saints School, there is no appointed crossing guard manning the intersection.
Many neighbors have been discussing online the danger of that intersection having no crossing guard. Bridesburg man Daniel Adair posted on the Bridesburg Facebook page the email he sent to Councilman Bobby Henon (D-6th dist.), which reads, in part:
“As it’s well known, this intersection is the most heavily, dangerously traveled in Bridesburg…this intersection without a designated crossing guard or police presence during opening/closing time of the area schools, is an accident waiting to happen…”
Adair’s letter goes on to say that requests from the community to appoint a crossing guard at the intersection have poured in since the beginning of the school year.
Henon has responded by taking steps to have a crossing guard placed at the intersection.
Last week, Henon’s office made available to Star a letter that Henon sent Sgt. Tara Holmes at the School Crossing Guard Headquarters on Hunting Park Avenue.
It reads:
“We have received numerous alls and emails from constituents concerning the lack of crossing guard representation at the intersections of Frankford and Orthodox Streets near Franklin Towne Charter School and also the intersection of Rhawn Street and Torresdale Avenue, adjacent to New Foundations Charter School.
Discussions with your office indicate that there are not enough funds — and thus, enough guards — to fill the vacancies at these locations. We would greatly appreciate if you could revisit the issues pertaining to the above mentioned intersections and try to work out a solution which will alleviate the safety issues expressed by our constituents.” ••
