New Traffic Safety Plan For P.S. 22

The city Transportation Department has approved a new nine-corner traffic control plan for P.S. 22, on Sanford Avenue between 156th and Murray Street, Flushing, it was announced by Councilwoman Julia Harrison (D-Flushing).
The DOTs safety plan calls for the installation of new crosswalks, reflectorized school safety signs, as well as plastic-painted STOP and school crossing messages on the roadway.
It will cover nearly all corners used by youngsters walking to and from P.S. 22.
Installation of the new controls will be completed by this summer, according to William Baier, DOTs Queens Borough Commissioner. Also scheduled for completion is Harrisons request for traffic signals at Sanford Avenue and 156th Street.
Harrison said that the DOTs speedy response to potentially serious traffic hazards proves that cooperation is the key to solving community problems.
"P.S. 22s main entrance for its 880 students, she said, "is on hilly, fishhooked-shaped, Sanford Avenue. Alongside the school, on the oddly-shaped block is the Murray Hill playground. Unprotected, this street is an accident waiting to happen." As if to prove her point, a freshly-struck street light pole lay on the curved playground sidewalk, not far from the schools main entrance.
Following an on-site inspection of the nine key school crossings used by P.S. 22 students last November, and a meeting with C.B. 7, local police, school officials and parents, Harrison relayed her findings to the DOT.
P.S. 22 principal Dr. Fran Levy was also pleased with the DOTs initial response. But she called for more stringent police enforcement of the parking rules on the school block. During inclement weather, when visibility is poor on the curved street, youngsters are compelled to cross Sanford Avenue between cars that are double and triple parked in front of the school on Sanford Avenue.