The 11-year-old was struck and killed by a distracted driver in the crosswalk in front of Toll Middle School in October. The driver had just dropped off her own child for school.
In December, the City Council and Glendale Unified School District Board voted in a joint meeting to continue with the implementation of a host of traffic safety enhancements, including the median, which was set to be built this summer at a cost of about $230,000.
The two Glenwood households that will be affected by the median have protested its construction because it would cause left turns into their driveways. They also argued the median would further constrain limited street parking.
Council members and city staff acknowledged the inconveniences the households will suffer, but emphasized they felt compelled to vote in favor of child safety.
“The safety of our students in this area must outweigh the concerns of residential use,” said Councilman John Drayman. “There is no question in my mind.”
Council members directed the city to work with the homeowners on the 700 block of Glenwood Road to provide them with some sort of permit parking on the curbs in front of their houses.
“Let’s not put them through all the red tape,” said Councilman Ara Najarian. “Let’s give them the best solution.
In addition to causing inconveniences, Glenwood resident Sirvard Akopyan, argued that the median could limit access to fire and emergency vehicles.
“There won’t be enough room for fire trucks to pass through the street,” she said.
