Traffic Barrier to Stay in West Covina

The Rowland Unified school board has changed its position and will not dismantle a traffic barrier on Gemini Street despite spending at least $30,000 and 12 years trying to have it knocked down.

Faced with intensive lobbying by residents of the Woodside Village area, the school board voted 3 to 2 last week to keep the wall. The barrier blocks traffic along Gemini Street just north of Giano Intermediate School.

School officials estimated that diverting buses around the barrier has cost the district $25,000 annually. After years of litigation, the school district had won the right to have the wall removed.

But residents were concerned about the increase in traffic from motorists seeking a shortcut linking Azusa Avenue and Shadow Oak Drive if the wall is removed.

Deputy Supt. Richard Angarola said district officials will meet with the city to discuss replacing the dilapidated wall. “We want to make sure we’re in agreement as to what is done and that it is done properly.”