From my perspective, we have two critical issues that need to be addressed immediately: infrastructure and enforcement. In regards to infrastructure, many of the safety interventions need to be upgraded, replaced, or maintained. Enforcement is virtually non-existent, and our hope is for a greater presence in the future.
After engaging Mayor Turner’s Office, Counsel woman Abbie Hoffman, Principal Day, and HPD, we have had some traction in mitigating the dangerous situation. They include repainting crosswalks, maintaining signs, discussions around traffic studies, investigating additional crosswalk guards, and targeted HPD ticketing campaigns around the school.
Having a safe journey to school is a shared value I believe we all possess. I am asking for anyone with ideas or thoughts on safe journeys to and from school to email me with your ideas. Additionally, should you have an interest in joining this effort, please reach out to me directly, as there is no shortage of work.
I know if we can make it safer in Wharton Elementary's school zones, that this will carry throughout the larger community.
Thank you,
Mehdi Rais, MD, MBA, MS
E: mehdirais@gmail.com