Construction fences have been placed around a large area of Olive-Mary Stitt Elementary School just weeks before school is about to start this Fall. The District 25 school year for 2015-2016 begins Thursday, August 27, 2015. Since drop off and pickup zones have been eliminated at the Pine Avenue and Belmont Avenue Cul de Sacs south of the school around the clock during the construction period, Olive Street and Belmont Avenue are likely to be more congested during arrival and dismissal times. Pedestrian and bicycle traffic has also been prohibited on Belmont Avenue and Pine Avenue at the south side of the school around the clock during the construction period.
What appears to be a temporary fenced construction entrance driveway runs along the south border of Greens Park, which is District 25 property, from Douglas Ave to the area of the school building.
In June, officials at Arlington Heights School District 25 approved borrowing $9.9 million to fund building expansion projects needed for a sharp increase in enrollment at Olive-Mary Stitt Elementary School and Ivy Hill Elementary School.
An estimated $18 million construction plan funded by bonds issued will provide five new classrooms and a new gymnasium at Olive-Mary Stitt Elementary School, and 10 new classrooms at Ivy Hill Elementary School.
Ivy Hill Elementary School has temporary classrooms installed in mobile home-like structures on the west end of the property.
The total of $18 million bond issues translates to about $135 per year in property taxes for a $300,000 home.
Due to the size and layout of the Olive school grounds, there will be two construction zones — one on the southwest side of the building and one on the southeast and east side of the building. The temporary construction fencing will prevent all access to the south side of the building and property. Temporary construction fencing will also block the entrances to the school off of the North Pine Avenue and North Belmont Avenue cul-de-sacs; therefore, students may not be dropped off or picked up
at these locations.
Belmont Avenue is closed to all pedestrian traffic and bicycle traffic because of the temporary construction fencing. No signs on either side of the school property indicate that the Belmont Avenue Cul de Sac is closed to pedestrian and bike traffic.
Construction activity will also eventually block the west sidewalk at Douglas Avenue near Clarendon Avenue.
The school’s regular playground — blacktop and field areas — will be closed during construction. The parking lot will be closed for parking during the school day and used for play space. Vehicles will only be allowed in the parking lot during arrival and dismissal times. The Orchard Evangelical Free Church parking will be available for parking during the day.
Extra drop-off and pickup instructions are available on the school’s blog …
OMS Drop-Off and Pick-Up Procedures 2015-2016
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