More legal trouble to get crosswalk for Harrisburg Elementary

LANCASTER COUNTY, SC (WBTV) - The Lancaster County School District is requesting the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) place a crosswalk near Harrisburg Elementary School.

There has been controversy since a homeowner didn't allow students and their parents to walk on his property to cross the busy road to get to their elementary school. Parents describe their journey crossing Harrisburg Road as a hassle.

"It's tough sometimes," parent Carla Hall said. "A parent will have to come out and go in the middle of the street to stop traffic. And the rest of us would take the kids' hands and go across ourselves."

The owner of the property, Jeff Horning, was sued by his neighbors to use his property. The judge ruled on behalf of the neighbors, but Horning said the fight is not over.

Horning told WBTV he plans to appeal the court's decision.

While they wait for the courts to hear the appeal, parents like the judge's decision.

"My hope is that this happens for the long-term," parent Millard House said. "And all cool heads can prevail and are able to move forward and walk kids to school."

The school district said about 30 students cross Harrisburg Road each school day to go from their home to school. The district fears since the courts have ruled in favor of the neighbors, more parents will start to cross Harrisburg Road. That's why the district thinks there is a need for a crosswalk.

DOCUMENT: READ THE LETTER FROM LANCASTER SCHOOLS TO SCDOT ABOUT CROSSWALK

"It's about making sure that the kids are safe," Lancaster County School District Safety and Transportation Director Bryan Vaughn said. "And parents are safe. And ultimately no one is struck by a motor vehicle."

The school district says crews from SCDOT will soon be conducting a survey of the road to determine if a crosswalk should be installed. A decision could be made in a few weeks.

Two years ago, transportation officials denied a request for a crosswalk. School officials claim things have changed and hope transportation officials will change their minds.

Copyright 2016 WBTV. All rights reserved.