Collaborative project to transform East 12th Avenue area in front of Barrett Elementary

A project that has been in the works for close to a decade is about to break ground outside of Barrett Elementary. Thanks to a partnership between the Homestead Borough, Alcosan, and Rep. Summer Lee, contractors and engineers will begin work on transforming the current gravel parking lot and playground on East 12th Avenue across from Barrett into a new greenspace that will address stormwater runoff and create an outdoor learning space for Barrett students.

The greenspace will run along East 12th Avenue between Ann Street and Glenn Street, while a new paved parking lot for 38 vehicles will be slotted behind the greenspace along East Oak Way. Along with the outdoor learning space, the greenspace is also expected to have outdoor activity and playground space for students.

Work is slated to begin after the Labor Day holiday and will continue for about three months.

During construction, Glenn Street and East 12th Avenue will be closed to traffic. Barrett staff will have temporary parking spaces along East 12th Avenue in front of the school, as well as on Ann Street. During dismissal, Barrett families who are picking up their children via car will be asked to line up on Ann Street before pulling into the alley behind Barrett. That alley will be one-way only. To protect the safety of students and staff, cars will not be permitted to leave the line once in the alley until their child is safely secured and all other cars in front of them have exited the alley.

Walkers will continue to be dismissed towards Ann Street. Due to the construction, parents and guardians will be asked to meet their students at the intersection of Ann Street and East 12th Avenue rather than in front of the school.

The project has its roots in an idea from Steel Valley High School students nearly a decade ago, who envisioned a more welcoming space outside of Barrett. Through various permutations and partners, the concept of a greenspace and a way to address stormwater runoff took root. Now, the funding and the plans have finally come together thanks to the involvement of the various partners who are helping to bring it across the finish line.

Barrett Elementary Principal Mrs. Kim Winters and the Steel Valley School District administration ask that parents and guardians please be patient during this process, as the safety of students and staff is the district’s top priority. Lines will move slower and dismissal may take longer at first, but the changes are designed to keep all students and staff safe. Any additional changes to arrival or dismissal will be communicated by Mrs. Winters.