Since 2023, the northern driveway around Middleton High School (MHS) has been blocked off by barricades.

According to the City of Middleton, the land in between Firemen's Park and Pheasant Branch was originally zoned as parkland, back in 1949.  This zoning map indeed indicates that.  However, in the early 2000's, the City of Middleton allowed MHS to build a street connecting Lee Street with Bristol Street -- a much needed secondary entrance to the expanding school.  Firemen's Park was owned by the City of Middleton at that time.  Lee St. has since been designated as the primary entrance for the PAC (Performing Arts Center), and the City still has signs up on Parmenter St. directing traffic to the PAC via Lee St.

A great deal of MHS busses, students, parents, and staff use the Beltline's Parmenter Circle exit to get to the school.  Being able to use Lee Street helps keep excess MHS traffic (including busses) off of Franklin & North Avenues, which are residential and never meant to be high traffic streets.  This closure may also negatively affect emergency vehicle access and the safety for students who walk to school from the local neighborhood.

I believe that due to the transportation needs of the state's largest high school and because the City of Middleton willingly approved the building of a driveway across Firemen's Park, the City of Middleton should be responsible for finding a solution to improve traffic into and out of the high school. 

Sign this petition today, and please share the link with your friends and neighbors!

(legal disclaimer: this petition is presented as a private citizen, and is not affiliated with the MCPASD)