'I don’t want anyone to get hurt.' Crossing guard sounds alarm on dangerous school crosswalk in Medford
Simone Santos says ever since she started her job, the crosswalk at the corner of Maine and Wave avenues has been in poor condition - riddled with potholes and covered in loose gravel.
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A crossing guard in Medford is calling attention to what she says is a dangerous and deteriorating crosswalk outside Eagle Elementary School.
Simone Santos says ever since she started her job, the crosswalk at the corner of Maine and Wave avenues has been in poor condition - riddled with potholes and covered in loose gravel.
“Safety is our priority, especially mine. I don't want anyone to get hurt,” Santos said.
She describes unstable footing while directing students and families across the street.
“I step on there and sometimes I feel like I am going to slip. Also, my crosswalk has a lot of holes that need to be repaired,” she added.
According to Santos, as well as nearby residents, the hazardous conditions have already led to close calls and injuries.
“Little kids have hit their ankles here, right here in these little potholes. Twisted ankles,” said Margaret Borneman, who has been picking up her grandchildren for the last five years at the school.
Neighbors say the issue has persisted for a long time, with little apparent maintenance.
“You have to have the street sweepers clean up. Potholes, they have to fill them. They have not touched Maine Avenue one time since I've been here. I've been here since 1998,” said resident Kevin Payne.
Safety concerns in the area are not new. News 12 previously reported on a separate incident in December, when another crossing guard just a few blocks away was struck by a driver.
“You have to worry about people racing through here. I'd like safety and I want these roads done,” Borneman said.
Santos says she has contacted the Town of Brookhaven three times and was told crews would address the issue, but so far, no repairs have been made.
“You need everything to be safe. Why slip and fall on gravel if no one is maintaining it?” said Sal Como. “The town is not keeping it up to par, especially with the taxes we are paying here.”
News 12 reached out to the town’s Highway Department, which said it is now looking into the problem.
