HOWELL – A change in the location of a school bus stop in the Verdana residential development in Howell was scheduled to take effect on Sept. 16.
Verdana is bordered by Route 9 on the west and by White Street on the north and east.
The change took effect 12 days after parents informed Howell K-8 School District administrators and Board of Education members they had safety issues with a bus stop at the edge of the development that was established for the 2019-20 school year.
Parents voiced their concerns at the board’s Sept. 4 meeting. They said they were concerned about a bus stop at the corner of White and Conover streets.
One week later, Ron Sanasac, the school district’s assistant superintendent for business administration, provided an update on the issue.
“We received a lot of cooperation from the Verdana management that eliminated some of the concerns that led to the original decision (to move the bus stop). Their cooperation allowed us to come to a suitable alternative,” Sanasac said.
Sanasac said he sent a letter to the parents and thanked them for their input, comments and patience.
“As discussed and directed at the recent board meeting, we have been examining some of the concerns that led to the initial decision (to move the bus stop) and working with the management of (Verdana) to create the opportunity to have a bus stop along the Verdana roads.
“Thanks to the wonderful cooperation of Ms. Finkle and Ms. Tashjian, we have been able to address several of the concerns that made it difficult to commit to such a bus stop,” Sanasac wrote to the parents.
He said the management of the development has agreed to allow entry of school buses.
“They have agreed to have the entry gate in the open position from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. to ensure any buses or drivers can enter the complex. They have agreed to remove the interior bollard (small white post) next to the exit gate that made the turn out of the complex very difficult.
“Although not able to guarantee, they have also agreed to assist us in reminding all residents that the road must be kept clear of overflow parking and trash cans.
“We also need (residents’) assistance in keeping Calabria Way clear; although (the) management will assist with reminding all residents, it is important that you help to control that with your cars and receptacles as well.
“Please also keep this in mind if you are driving your child to the bus stop or picking them up,” Sanasac wrote to parents. “Effective Sept. 16, the bus stop for all three Howell Township public school tiers will be (in the development).”
Sanasac thanked the Verdana management for their assistance and cooperation in making the change in the bus stop possible and he thanked the residents for their understanding.
Resident Jessica Velstra spoke at the Sept. 4 school board meeting.
Upon learning of the change in the bus stop that the parents requested, she provided a statement after speaking with other parents in the community.
“This new bus stop is at a much safer place and the Verdana residents really appreciate and thank the Board of Education, Mr. Sanasac and the Verdana management for helping to make this change, and for taking our concerns seriously,” Velstra said.