The issue of closing Nash Road through has been an ongoing topic among students, teachers, nearby residents and city officials.
The city, county, and the administrators of San Benito High School had suggested that they could do an exchange. The agreement was that if the city of Hollister agreed to close Nash Road, then SBHS would then transfer some property over to the county of San Benito for use as a park and SBHS administrators also suggested that Nash be closed from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on school days. However, on Jan. 19, the Hollister City Council met and voted 3-2 against the closing of Nash Road. The administrators of SBHS were not aware that the city was going to be making this decision, so they didn’t attend the meeting.
Many students at SBHS said that closing Nash Road would be in the best interest of the students because it would prevent a lot of problems and it would provide a safer environment for crossing the street.
School administrators are still considering new ways to solve the issue of students crossing the street during school hours, when there are currently two crossing guards situated between the crosswalks where students pass every day. In 2008, the City of Hollister constructed a lighted crosswalk on Nash Road at Monterey Street, a project that cost approximately $59,000.
When asked about the ongoing issue of closing Nash Road during school hours, senior Amy Quinones said, “It would be very beneficial for our school. Not only would it increase the safety so students don’t have to worry about cars when going to class, it would also help students with getting to class on time because they won’t be stuck in the horrible traffic and when going to and from classes they won’t have to wait for the crossing guards.”
Junior Saba Nazemi agreed with Quinones.
“I think that it will be beneficial in regards to safety, but my only concern is the traffic it might create. However, I think it will help protect the students from any accidents when crossing that area, as it already is a bit hectic,” said Nazemi.
SBHS Superintendent John Perales stated, “My hope is that our City Council will agree to work with us to temporarily close Nash Road, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. This will create a much need safety improvement and environment for our students and staff.”
The topic of closing Nash Road is still being debated; with some residents near the school hoping traffic won’t be re-routed. Also, on March 4, the public is invited to a Board of Trustees study session on neighborhood parking issues and the proposed Nash Road closure. The meeting will occur at 7 p.m. in the SBHS auditorium.
Superintendent John Perales is planning to discuss the school facilities and the safety of the students. Public ideas are welcomed.
