Lakeview Estates residents voice concerns over Maple Point Elementary traffic issues

The Middletown Township Board of Supervisors meeting on February 7, 2022, focused on the proposed development of a new elementary school, Maple Point Elementary, and the associated traffic concerns raised by local residents. Community members expressed significant apprehension regarding traffic congestion and the lack of adequate communication about the project.

During the meeting, resident Tina Reager highlighted ongoing traffic issues in the Lakeview Estate area, particularly during school pick-up times. She emphasized that residents had previously raised these concerns without receiving concrete plans for resolution. Reager also criticized the lack of notice about the school project, noting that many residents, especially those without children in the school district, were unaware of the developments.

Another resident, Kimberly Young, questioned the necessity of building a new school when existing facilities could potentially be retrofitted or reopened. She raised concerns about the impact on local traffic, particularly regarding a one-way bridge on Woodburn Road, which could exacerbate congestion with the addition of school buses.

The board addressed these concerns, with Steven Peritano, a school board member, explaining that the school district had complied with legal notice requirements for public meetings. He acknowledged the challenges of effectively communicating with all residents but noted that the project had been discussed in multiple public forums.

Traffic management was a central theme, with several residents urging the board to develop a solid plan to address the anticipated increase in traffic due to the new school. The board indicated that improvements to the problematic intersection at Woodburn and Langhorne Yardley Roads were scheduled to begin in 2024, coinciding with the projected opening of the new school in fall 2023.

Despite the concerns raised, the board ultimately voted to grant preliminary final land development approval for the Maple Point Elementary School, with conditions that included ongoing collaboration with township staff to address traffic issues during school drop-off and pick-up times.

The meeting underscored the community's desire for better planning and communication regarding significant developments that impact local traffic and quality of life. As the project moves forward, residents will be watching closely to ensure their concerns are addressed.