Pedestrian safety has become a major concern, especially in the streets surrounding the high school. Old Tappan Councilwoman Christine Massaro is urging for the installation of crosswalks across Central Avenue for student safety. “There should be crosswalks crossing Central Avenue from the Norwood border to Haring Drive West,” she said. Also, because of recent developments, Massaro emphasized the potential danger for students or pedestrians crossing at Aida and Winding Creek, which are residential townhomes near Central Avenue. Massaro points out that, “this is a highly traversed area for pedestrians crossing to and from the school.” 

Juniors Sophia Rivera and Gianna DeMarco walk home everyday after school. Rivera and DeMarco have lived on Central Avenue their whole lives and think it would make sense for a crosswalk to be built. They both said they haven’t heard anything about the potential crosswalk.

Rivera said, “I don’t mind whether they build a crosswalk. I don’t think it will make a difference.” However, DeMarco said, “It’s stressful walking without one because people are constantly speeding down Central Avenue.” 

Additionally, DeMarco feels that the crosswalk “would solve two problems at once.” Not only would it force people to slow down when going down Central Ave, but it would also allow kids to safely cross and walk.

The proposed crosswalk would be a solution to enhance safety for everyone, especially students who walk to and from school. Although not everyone might agree, individuals like Massaro and DeMarco prioritize improving safety conditions and traffic issues within the area. The Old Tappan Council hopes to get enough support and approval in order to build the crosswalk as soon as possible.