Orlando allows Catholic school to close sidewalk for security, despite resident criticism

The city of Orlando voted Monday on what leaders call a compromise following St. James Cathedral School’s request to close off a sidewalk near their campus.

Understanding the issue goes back to 1996, when the city gifted the school on Ridgewood Street the roadway in front of their campus, but not the sidewalk. That area stretches from Hillman Avenue to Cathcart Avenue.

Then in 2023, school administrations say they became increasingly worried about the safety risks students face with crime in the downtown area.

Under the new agreement, the school will be able to have locked gates blocking the sidewalk for public use

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