Dear Mark D. Levine, Manhattan Borough President:

We are the concerned parents of students of the International Academy of Hope (iHOPE) (825 7th Ave, New York, NY 10019). As you may know, iHOPE is a highly specialized private school focused on educating students, ages 5-21, with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and multiple disabilities. It fulfills an unmet need in the community and is one of the few places in the City where our children can learn with their peers in a safe and supportive environment.

Since the opening of iHOPE’s new location on 7th avenue there have been continuous issues with illegal parking at the bus loading on 53rd street and 7th avenue, causing traffic buildup and forcing our children to wait unacceptable times for drop-off in the mornings, and pick-up in the evenings, in an uncomfortable and unsafe environment. The lack of enforcement of the no-standing zone and lack of sufficient signage creates major delays in getting our children home and is putting them at risk.

Students waiting for long times on the bus risk their health, and can have seizures, soil themselves, experience behavioral disturbances, and more. When students are hours late to school in the morning, they miss critical, legally required therapy and class development. When they are hours late to home in the evening, they fall out of medication schedules, evening and dinnertime routines, and make it harder for parents to maneuver work and care.

We are reaching out to you to assist us in advocating for solutions to the ongoing illegal parking situation, such as painting the sidewalk in front of the loading zone, changing the sign for the zone, increasing enforcement during drop-off and pick-up hours, and adding additional spaces for pick-up and drop-off.

Sincerely,

The parents, friends, and families of iHope Families for Families.