Bus parking causes strife in Bala Cynwyd
After the redistricting case was settled last year, there was hope that the rift between the community and the school board would close. However, a new issue has sparked debate once again between LMSD and residents of the district. The ongoing over-enrollment problem in LM has strained the district’s transportation system. Between its elementary, middle, and high schools, LMSD regularly uses a fleet of 119 buses, which are parked at various locations while not in use. Seventy of the buses are left at a location on Matonsford Road, which poses problems for the district. The growing district needs more buses and larger areas to secure them during the day.
On May 22, the district announced its intent to purchase property at 15-21 Bala Avenue. Bala Cynwyd citizens reacted with indignation, and many of them disagreed with the district’s plan. On June 10, the district released a statement assuaging the fears of residents by stating it did not mean to condemn the properties or acquire them through eminent domain. On June 30, acting superintendent Dr. Marseille released an open letter stating that the district needed to find a spot to park 30 buses by the 2016-2017 school year unless “we choose to reduce or eliminate bus services.”
Amid public outcry, a board meeting was scheduled for July 21. Before the meeting, the Bala Cynwyd Neighborhood Club circulated a petition that accrued over 1,400 signatures opposing the plan. Over 100 people showed up to the meet- ing, which began with a presentation from the school board. The presentation highlighted the difficulty of finding a location. All of the district schools had been evaluated and rejected, as well as fifty other locations. The locations were dismissed for reasons of cost, security, availability, and logistics. One proposed idea was to build a $2.4 million dollar parking deck at LM, but it would not be the fiscally responsible option. Ultimately, the district preferred the Bala location, with which some residents had problems. The zoning and planning committees in Bala Cynwyd recently has spent a lot of money increasing the vitality of the area by installing sidewalks, shade trees, and improving the Cynwyd Trail. People also raised concerns about the bus fumes and traffic.
Many local residents believed that if the district used Bala property it would, “squander the time and effort spent improving Bala Cynwyd without getting any community input,” according to Jessica Diamond, mother of senior Daisy Diamond.
Seemingly fresh off of the redistricting conflict, some locals are dis- trustful of the school board and feel there is a lack of communication. In the Lower Merion Community Network facebook page, members voiced disapproval with the board, and one asked, “I would like to know why temporary solutions are not being considered until a better permanent one is conceived.”
Concern that the school board is not looking out for the public’s best interests is always central to discussions. Unless the board sways the community to find a new location, the residents won’t rest their protests.