In early November, construction near the school parking lot has made arriving on time a daily challenge for students and staff.
“I come like an hour and a half early just to get parking,” said Ms. Lee, a school secretary, highlighting how limited parking has disrupted routines and increased stress across the school.
For staff members like Ms. Lee, the construction has forced major changes to their daily schedules. She explained that she now arrives much earlier than before just to secure a parking spot. “I come extra early just to get parking,” she said. Even then, she often parks several blocks away or near the expressway because nearby streets fill quickly.
Ms. Lee added that parking has always been first come, first served, but the construction has made the situation more difficult.
Students, especially those who drive, say they have been affected even more. Abigail, a student driver, shared that parking shortages have made her late to school multiple times. “On one Tuesday morning I left the house at 7:20 and didn’t walk in until 9:30 because there was no parking,” she said. With alternate side parking on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, students are often forced to wait or park far away to avoid tickets. Abigail now parks in dead ends, near bus stops, or even across Grand Central just to find space.
Teachers with later schedules have also struggled. Ms. Petroutsos, a history teacher, said that second session teachers face the biggest inconvenience. “On the days of alternate side parking, session two teachers really get hit hard,” she said. Despite the frustration, she acknowledged that the construction is unavoidable and joked that everyone just has to “get to work on time” and be patient.
According to Assistance Principal of Organization, Dr. Collado, the construction is a city project meant to fix drainage issues underneath the parking lot. Dr. Collado explained that water was not draining properly and was beginning to affect the sewage system. Crews are installing underground chambers to collect and redirect water. “While it’s not something that will be seen ever, it’s something to better the area and the community,” Dr. Collado said. He added that the school was informed about the project ahead of time but did not have control over the timing.
The construction has also affected student activities. Junior Ethan Samuel said gym class became less engaging when outdoor spaces were unavailable. “It was like gym class didn’t exist,” he said, explaining that students spent weeks sitting in the auditorium instead of participating in activities.
While the construction has caused frustration, many hope it will be worth it in the long run.
Ms. Lee said she does not expect more parking spaces but hopes the project is completed soon and done well. “I hope they speed up the process,” she said. Until then, students and staff continue to adjust, arriving earlier, parking farther away, and waiting for smoother days ahead.
