W. 239th Street declared ‘play street’

The street in front of the Visitation School is about to get safer.

Starting in September, the road in front of the Visitation School will be designated as a play street and closed to traffic during school hours. The area includes West 239th Street between West Putman Avenue and Review Place.

Principal Christopher White noticed an increase in traffic since BJ’s opened at the nearby Riverdale Crossing mall in January. Mr. White noted near-misses between cars and students, prompting concerns about safety.

Community Board 8 voted to make the stretch of West 239th Street a play street last month.

Prior to getting the block declared a play street, the Visitation School attempted to secure the area on its own.

“Before, we had an unofficial barrier that people would bypass,” Mr. White said. “We had an orange cone [and] a white barrier. It did not look official… With the permit, it will be official and carry weight.”

Established in 1932, the Visitation School has kindergarten through eighth-grade classes.

“We are all here… to make sure our students [are] safe,” said Mr. White.