Parents at East Flatbush elementary school say little-to-no street safety measures available to students

Parents say they want a crossing guard, a speed bump or a clear crosswalk.

Valerie Ryan

Mar 25, 2025, 10:06 PM

Updated 15 hr ago

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The parents at Great Oaks Elementary School say that unlike nearby schools, they do not have a clear crosswalk, speed limit signs or a crossing guard.
They say the school, located at 4718 Farragut Road, is plagued with speeding drivers and little resources from the city to keep their students safe.
Parents say the only indication of a school are two signs located down the street that were implemented last year through the help of Council member Farah Louis.
While nearby schools have speed limit signs, clear crosswalks and crossing guards, Louis says her office has been following up with The Department of Traffic and the NYPD to tackle this issue.
"We are actively following up with the Department of Transportation, but when it comes to the police department, we know that there's a shortage of crossing guards in our city," said Louis.
Parents say they want a crossing guard, a speed bump or a clear crosswalk.
The NYPD shared the following statement:
"The NYPD regularly reviews the needs of the community regarding school crossing posts. Vacancies are fluid in fiscal planning, and the NYPD remains committed to actively recruiting and hiring additional School Crossing Guards. Parents can contact the school for crossing guard requests," said a DCPI spokesperson.
The Department of Transportation shared this statement:
“All New Yorkers deserve to feel safe on our streets, including those near schools. NYC DOT will review any community requests at this location.”
Parents are hoping a change is made by the end of the year.