Chatham Residents Appeal Milton Ave. School Parking Lot Plans

If permitted, an alternate proposal for the parking lot plan at Milton Avenue School will be presented at the school board meeting on Monday, July 12, 7:30 p.m.  

The current Milton Avenue School parking plan uses the lawn area on the right side facing the main entrance. This lawn area will provide 25 parking spaces and takes away 5 spaces with a net gain of 18 spaces. The majority of people living in the area and I disagree with this plan.

My alternate proposal provides 17 spaces to the right sideline of the baseball field and to the left of Duchamp Avenue just prior to the mulch area. A copy of the alternate proposal has been given to all of the town's officials, along with signatures of the people I have petitioned to support my proposal.

By comparison, the current parking plan on the lawn next to the school provides only one additional parking space, yet it covers approximately 75% more area. This translates into more asphalt and results in more water run off.  Those of us who have basements in Chatham are well aware of the water problem.

The natural beauty of the setting for the kids, parents and neighbors will be greatly compromised. Taking safety into account, parking next to the school is undesirable.

The buffer lawn area between the school and Duchamp Avenue will be eliminated, creating more noise and visual distraction. All of this at a greater cost. 

If you would like the alternate plan to receive further consideration, please e-mail Mr. James O'Neill, superintendent of schools, at joneill@chatham-nj.org

Your neighbor,

Ed Santoriello at ed.luciana@yahoo.com