Beschreibung

I'm absolutely shocked to learn that MVRCS is in session today, with an early release scheduled to occur in the teeth of the storm. The governor has asked that all non-essential personnel remain off the roads (and even the Bruins have taken the extraordinarily rare step of canceling their game). I understand that MVRCS's administration is not under the control of the city. But given the impact that a decision like this has on public safety and city resources, I'm curious to know what discussions, if any, have been undertaken by city officials with the school's administration. Pushing through adversity and displaying "toughness" are all well and good. But it is a fine line between that and being reckless and inconsiderate to the rest of the community. The decision impacts the safety of countless children and their families, not just in Malden, but also in the surrounding communities from which many of the students come. In addition, the decision unfairly taxes city resources, including potential emergency response to accidents and interference with snow removal efforts. In this regard, even on the best of days, the traffic and parking situation in that neighborhood is horrendous (Jacob Street for example becomes impassable to two way traffic due to illegal parking). On a day like this, it becomes even worse. Most likely, snow emergency parking restrictions will be ignored in the area. Continued special treatment will only encourage the bad decision-making going forward. Any effort to encourage the school to understand that they are a part of a broader community and that they need to be good neighbors and responsible citizens would be much appreciated. Thank you.