The Carroll County Board of Education approved the schematic designs for Linton Springs Elementary School yesterday, despite objections from residents that potential traffic problems should be solved first.
Before the 4-0 vote, member Gary Bauer said it is not uncommon for designs at this early stage to proceed with unresolved details.
Vernon Smith, director of school support services, said traffic problems can be ironed out during design stages. The county has begun planning a road between Linton and Klees Mill roads, which would allow access to the 126-acre property from Klees Mill Road.
The design calls for the entrance to be on Linton Road at Ronsdale Road. Residents have complained that the intersection is at a bad curve, unsafe for a school entrance.
The Linton Springs Homeowners Association asked for an entrance from Route 26, but the State Highway Administration will not approve a traffic light at the site.
County and school officials wanted to approve the schematic designs to get the project moving and advertise for bids. Opening of the school tentatively is planned for 1998. Groundbreaking is scheduled for October.
Residents have appealed the planning commission's approval of the project, and the case will be heard by the zoning appeals board.
Barry Marsh, president of the Linton Springs Homeowners Association, urged the school board to wait before approving the plan.
"You do understand we want this school built," Marsh told the board. "But if we have to delay it so we can move our children safer, we will."
Residents want assurances that sidewalks and traffic controls will protect the many neighborhood children who will be walking to the school.
"We know we can make this project work," Marsh said. "There are alternatives we can look at."
Pub Date: 5/08/96
