CORBETT, Ore. (KPTV) – Mariah Haley and many other families living along pothole-filled SE Howard Street in Corbett said something needs to be done.
“I would like to get updates on when it’s going to happen, not oh, it’s going to happen, but when,” Haley said. “So we can get a schedule if I have to say, ‘Hey, boss, I have to be late to take my kids to school.'”
For years, residents of this rural stretch have complained about deteriorating conditions and demanded necessary repairs. The situation recently worsened when the Corbett School District announced in a statement that buses would no longer stop there until significant improvements were made.
“One of our normal bus routes had to be adjusted due to deteriorating road conditions, making it dangerous to travel by bus on that road,” said Superintendent Dr. Derek Fialkiewicz. “Some of our families were notified last week that our bus would not be able to reach their homes. We have been in contact with Multnomah County Roads regarding the road conditions.”
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Moses Mendoza, another parent on the block, says he understands their stance, but it’s another county issue that residents have to deal with.
“We were just informed that the buses are not coming here to pick up our children because it is too difficult to drive through,” Mendoza said. “It’s frustrating because many of us depend on these bus drivers to get here and I feel very sorry for them who drive here. I don’t like driving here myself.”
Multnomah County Roads says staffing issues have caused a delay in fixing these issues, but work has begun on the road and they hope to have it back in a condition where the district can use the bus route “in the near future.” What the exact time frame is, since school starts this week, is currently unknown.
Haley, Mendoza and community members who continue to struggle with this poor condition are hoping for a quicker fix and long-term solution.
The nearest bus stop is simply too far away and dangerous, many say, because there are many blind spots and dump trucks from a nearby quarry.
“The fact that they responded gives me a little hope, but I won’t be overly excited until I see work begin,” Mendoza said.
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