GREENWICH, CT — Following a unanimous vote by the Board of Selectmen on Tuesday, left turns out of Driveway No. 4, the main entrance for students to the Greenwich High School campus, are now prohibited.
Drivers must now turn right out of the driveway toward Post Road.
Kraig Gray, who is soon to retire and also heads the city’s parking services department, appeared before city councilors on Tuesday with his request.
“I propose updating the No Left Turn ordinance to include the exit from the GHS parking lot onto Hillside Road. This proposal was developed in collaboration with the Greenwich Public Schools school administration and the City of Greenwich Transportation Department, recognizing that a school ordinance alone is not enforceable on public streets. Should a violation occur at this intersection, an ordinance is necessary to ensure that police officers can take appropriate action,” Gray said.
“This issue has long been a concern in the neighborhood and with the GHS administration. They have implemented other policies and practices over time, none of which have fully addressed the ongoing problem,” Gray added.
Gray also noted that the city conducted a citywide survey of residents’ opinions on traffic in the Greenwich community and GHS was identified as an area where complaints were regularly raised.
Updating the no-passing rule in the city ordinance could improve the safety of students, staff and the surrounding community, Gray noted.
“The change will reduce traffic in surrounding residential areas, address residents’ quality of life concerns regarding heavy traffic, and redirect vehicles to US 1 East Putnam Avenue to improve traffic flow and distribution,” Gray said.
Since the school day was scheduled to begin on Friday, councilors decided to vote on the agenda item rather than wait two weeks for a second reading.
