Patchogue-Medford School District and Elected Officials Collaborate to Improve Traffic Safety

District and Government Officials Discuss Solutions for Traffic Safety Near Medford Elementary School

MEDFORD, NEW YORK (OCTOBER 2023) — As part of a legislative committee initiative, Patchogue-Medford School District administrators recently met with a group of state and local elected officials, as well as representatives from the New York State Department of Transportation and the Brookhaven Highway Department, at Medford Elementary School to discuss and analyze options to enhance traffic safety near the school. They observed traffic patterns on Route 112 and Dahlia Street—the roads on which the school lies—and explored interventions that will increase student, staff and community safety, particularly crucial during arrival and dismissal times.

“It was a pleasure getting to meet and collaborate with our elected officials on student and staff safety, which is our top priority,” said Patchogue-Medford School District Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources Dr. Joey Cohen. “The communication among the different levels of government was a testament to the collaborative spirit of our state and local officials to effect change to elevate the safety of the Medford Elementary School community. We truly appreciate their efforts and look forward to some improvements in the coming weeks and months.”

Dr. Cohen, Patchogue-Medford School District Board of Education Trustee Bernadette Smith, Patchogue-Medford School District Director of Security John Ahern and Medford Elementary School Principal Dr. Sharon Deland met with New York State Senator Dean Murray, New York State Assemblyman Joseph DeStefano, Suffolk County Legislator Dominick Thorne and Town of Brookhaven Councilman Neil Foley. They were joined by transportation experts Vijay Vijayendran from the New York State Department of Transportation and Steve Tricarico, the Town of Brookhaven’s Chief Deputy Superintendent of Highways, as they worked together on this key issue for the Patchogue-Medford community.

“We are thankful for this fruitful partnership with our local and state officials and eager to work hand-in-hand with them to advance traffic safety,” said Patchogue-Medford School District Superintendent Dr. Donna Jones. “This commitment by our elected officials will not only support student and staff safety at Medford Elementary School but throughout our District and community as well.”

The Patchogue-Medford School District looks forward to continuing this collaborative mission and implementing improvements.

For more information about the Patchogue-Medford Union Free School District, please visit the district’s website at www.pmschools.org. Happenings in the district can also be followed on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PatMedSchools/. #PatMedPride.