Hermon-DeKalb CSD pushes for a school zone on Route 11

DEKALB, N.Y. (WWTI) — A ten-mile-per-hour decrease.

That’s what the Hermon-DeKalb Central School District has requested from the New York State Department of Transportation.

During a meeting on April 8, the District’s Board of Education voted unanimously on a resolution that encouraged state lawmakers to lower the speed limit along NYS Route 11 near the school’s campus.

The resolution called for the speed limit to be reduced from 55 miles per hour to 45 miles per hour, to form a school zone.

“Hermon-DeKalb is truly a Route 11 school in that it borders Route 11 for about a quarter mile here,” HDCSD Superintendent Mark White said. “Our main road that we pull our busses out, dumps right onto Route 11.”

The fight for a school zone on this portion of Route 11 has been ongoing for 20 years, according to White. A similar resolution was previously passed in February 2020.

“So the Department of Transportation for years said we don’t qualify for a reduction of speed zone for a school zone because our entrance to our school is not located on Route 11,” Superintendent White explained.

Hermon-DeKalb’s official entrance is on East DeKalb Road, approximately 75 yards ahead of a major intersection on Route 11.

This small gap often results in delays and crashes. White confirmed the intersection sees about 500 vehicles during peak traffic hours.

“Recently, there’s been a fatality here over the years,” he said. I know I’ve had at least 4 to 5 students and some major accidents here at the intersection and also several parents, very, very serious accidents here, trying to cross or turn into school.”

Since the fight first began to lower the speed limit two decades ago, turning lanes and a blinking traffic light have been added.

However, with continued heavy traffic concerns, White said its only time before another accident occurs in near or on Hermon-DeKalb grounds.

“The hope is to have the speed limit reduced to a point which it gives a little more time for reaction.” White expressed.

Hermon-DeKalb is currently working with the town of DeKalb as well as State Assemblyman Kenneth Blakenbush and Senator Mark Walczyk to reduce the speed limit.

On April 10, the town of DeKalb a similar resolution on the issue in conjunction with the Hermon-DeKalb Board of Education resolution.

The District’s resolution also supported two pieces of legislation; NY State Senate Bill 2023-S8791 and NY State Assembly Bill 2023-A9514 . If passed by lawmakers, it would allow the town of DeKalb to reduce the speed limit on this portion of Route 11.

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