Resident tells Chester-Upland board buses idle and damage property; district pledges to contact contractor and police

Eddie Sprach, who identified himself as a resident of 2702 Green Street, used the public-comment period to describe recurring problems with school buses idling and parking in front of his house. He said drivers had sometimes used profanity and made insulting gestures, that buses had parked in multiple rows and that one bus wheel once ended up on his lawn during an incident he reported to police.

Sprach said idling in a residential area was subject to Pennsylvania limits and expressed concern about diesel fumes because he is diabetic. "It's poison," he told the board, saying the buses often wait an hour or more and that drivers had not cooperated when he raised the issue locally.

A district representative responded during the meeting that the bus contract is administered through the Chester-Upland School District and said the district would address the matter with the bus contractor and notify the Chester Township chief of police and township officials so enforcement and monitoring could occur.

The resident offered photographic documentation and said he had discussed the issue with his state representative and lawyers, but asked the board to act first. Board members at the meeting said they would speak with the contractor and local law enforcement and requested the resident provide photographs to district staff.