City council agreed this week to look into installing four-way stop signs near R.M. Moore Public School, after receiving an unusually assertive demand letter from Jennifer Parrella, executive director at Child Care Algoma.
"I am insisting that an all-way stop be installed immediately to reduce speed to protect the hundreds of children, their families, and staff who attend both our childcare program and R.M. Moore school," Parrella said in a letter to the city.
Council passed a resolution from Ward 5 Couns. Matthew Scott and Corey Gardi that also called on city staff to explore additional traffic calming measures and enhanced signage near the school.
The following is the full text of Parrella's letter to the city:
Good Afternoon,
I am sending this email to express concerns about the intersection of Baseline and Carpin Beach Road.
Several accidents have occurred due to speed in this area, including hitting a parked truck of one of our staff and most recently a hit-and-run that has destroyed our playground planter boxes.
Our childcare program built these planter boxes with the intent to create a buffer so that if a vehicle lost control, it would stop the speeding vehicle from going through our toddler playground fence.
It is terrifying to think of what could have happened if this crash occurred while our toddlers and staff were in the playground.
Not only could have someone been seriously hurt by the debris but what if the buffer was not strong enough someone could have been killed?
I also worry about the trauma this would cause if an accident such as this was witnessed by these young children.
Parents trust us every day to keep their children safe while in our care and their safety is always our top priority!
Our agency has worked with Coun. Gardi and Coun. Scott to advocate for stronger measures of controlling speed in this area before someone gets seriously hurt or worse.
While we appreciate the installation of the traffic bollards by the city and the posts installed by the school board, it is not enough!
I am insisting that an all-way stop be installed immediately to reduce speed to protect the hundreds of children, their families, and staff who attend both our childcare program and R.M. Moore school.
I am asking that the City of Sault Ste. Marie takes us seriously and takes action, there are probably many reasons that can be debated whether this area warrants an all-way stop but the only reason that should matter is THE CHILDREN!
No reason or amount of money should compromise the safety and well-being of our children.
Please consider this in your decision before it is too late.
Thank you for your support.
Respectfully,
Jennifer Parrella, RECE
Executive Director, Child Care Algoma