City, High School Collaborate on Student Parking Alternatives
Posted 8/10/2011

A brand new Gaithersburg High School is under construction, with a state of the art facility soon to replace the aging structure that has been in use for more than 50 years. 

Students will be attending school in the existing building, but on-site student parking will not be available during the three year construction period.  The City of Gaithersburg and representatives of Gaithersburg High School have been developing strategies to address student parking, exploring alternatives that ensure student safety and minimize negative impacts on surrounding residential neighborhoods and businesses.

With the start of school just weeks away, school administrators are directing students to park in the City’s public garage at the corner of South Summit and Olde Towne Avenues.  It serves as a short term solution, however, with pending developments in Olde Towne limiting availability for student parking in the future.  Stakeholders will continue to explore alternatives for a longer term solution.

The use of the Olde Towne Parking Garage for student parking will result in more student pedestrian traffic crossing Route 355.  The City is encouraging extra vigilance in the practice of safe driving and safe pedestrian habits. 

“The prospect of a new facility for our young people is very much needed and has been a long time in coming.  There may, however be growing pains,” said City Manager Angel Jones.  “The City encourages students, residents and business owners to be supportive and flexible during the construction, and to continue to openly communicate with the City and school administrators about opportunities and challenges.  We look forward to joining together as a community to celebrate the opening of the new Gaithersburg High School three years from now.”

For additional information and to offer comments please contact the City of Gaithersburg Neighborhood Services Division at 301-258-6340 or e-mail neighborhoods@gaithersburgmd.gov.