Why was Ridge Road School selected as the middle school site and not LRP?
The Public Facilities Input Committee (PFIC) considered the use of LRP as a middle school site. However, the Committee noted that, while LRP is a larger building, it is located in a more highly trafficked area than Ridge Road. Cedar Grove Police statistics show that, in the period from January 1996 through August 2000, 351 motor vehicle accidents occurred in the vicinity of LRP, versus 29 accidents in the vicinity of the Ridge Road School. These safety issues were considered by both the PFIC and the Board. Traffic noise is another factor at LRP. Even with the windows closed, the noise from traffic can be very distracting in the LRP classrooms. The water and sewer lines at LRP would also need to be moved. There are also asbestos issues at LRP that do not exist at Ridge Road. Finally, use of LRP would result in a loss to the District of approximately $110,000 more per year in rental income than will the use of Ridge Road.
