Committee debates ballards, ornamental fencing and crosswalks for new school site

Erica explained RIDE’s site-plan comments asking that public-facing areas use ornamental fencing rather than chain link, add privacy slats where the school abuts neighbors, and increase seating along Illinois Street.

“RIDE wanted us to look at carrying ornamental fencing rather than chain link fencing for public-facing areas and for play areas where students will be,” Erica said.

Committee members discussed ballards — vertical elements placed to prevent vehicles from entering pedestrian plazas — and how they might be used at the main entry. One committee member offered a descriptive comparison: “A ballard is typically one of the vertical essentially the metal pieces that prevents a vehicle from… or like picture the red balls outside of Target,” and noted the planned placement near the main entry plaza.

The group debated fence height and visibility trade-offs. Several members expressed concern that taller, fully obscuring fencing or privacy slats could prevent sightlines into playgrounds and reduce passive surveillance, while lower ornamental fencing combined with landscaping and privacy slats adjacent to abutters could balance privacy and safety.

Members suggested adding a marked crosswalk where pedestrian desire lines are expected on Illinois Street and discussed placing protective elements near corners and transition points where a vehicle might approach the building.

No formal action was taken; the committee asked staff to explore alternative heights and materials, options for landscaping to improve privacy, and possible crosswalk locations for discussion at a follow-up meeting.