As previously reported in MTR, the new Speedway Elementary School was built along two very busy roadways and near ramps for the Garden State Parkway, without a playground or safe access to a large park across the street. The new building will house K-5 in its first year of operation, with pre-kindergarten and middle school students moving in during the 2011-12 school year.

Officials from the Schools Development Authority, NJDOT, NJ State Senate, Essex County and the City of Newark have been invited to help the community address concerns before children move into the new building. The agenda will cover the lack of crossing guards and the need for traffic calming near the school, the lack of a permanent certificate of occupancy, the lack of a security plan to deal with the troubled public housing development next door, the lack of a playground, and lack of outside space for children in case of a fire or other emergency.

On Wednesday, February 3, the parents and community of Speedway Elementary School in Newark will meet at 6:30pm at the old Speedway school (26 Speedway Ave.) on these issues. The meeting is hosted by Councilman Ron Rice, in conjunction with the school’s Parent Liaison, the Speedway PTA, One Newark Education Coalition, and the Tri-State Transportation Campaign.

Image: Google Maps.