P.S. 317 for 2017

A new school is coming to the Soundview neighborhood just in time for fall of 2017.

Permits were filed at the end of last October by the NYC Construction Authority to build a new five-story public school – P.S. 317 – which will open its doors to students this coming September.

The facility will stand on White Plains Road a short distance from Bruckner Boulevard, at 1028 White Plains Road, across the street from an I-Hop and next to a Sleepy’s.

Each floor will have classrooms and offices, the basement will hold locker rooms, the first floor will include a cafeteria and kitchen, the second floor will contain the auditorium and gym, and the fourth floor will be home to a roof-top garden.

According to the Department of Education, there has been a need identified within District 8 for new seats.

It will serve as an elementary or middle school according to a DOE spokesperson.

While the alleviation of overcrowding would be beneficial, one common concern among parents is the busy location of the new school, which sits at the intersection of two high-trafficked roads.

“I don’t think it’s a good idea,” said Karla Santos, a mother of two who lives in the area. At noon on a Monday, cars speed past her on the Bruckner, as she stood outside the construction the site.

“If you think it’s busy now, just wait until 3!” Santos continued, “There’s too much traffic, I’m definitely against it.”

Nathan Williams, who has a young son, says he is in support of the project as long as the city ensures safety for the kids.

“As long as there are plenty of crossing guards, and it’s environmentally friendly, I see it as a good thing,” said Williams.

The DOE says they are currently working closely with the Community Education Council, community members, and district staff to decide the school’s zoning.

Toya Holness of the DOE stated that, “The safety of students is our top priority,” addressing the parent’s traffic safety concerns.

The department has conducted a traffic impact analysis on the location and is working closely with the NYC Department of Transportation to alleviate any issues that could arise from the site.

The architect on the project is PS&S, a New Jersey-based company that has experience working on educational buildings including SUNY Albany and Penn State University.

The city purchased the vacant lot from Seven Square Development LLC in 2014.

Reach Reporter Madeline Anthony at (718) 260-4591. E-mail her at manthony@cnglocal.com.