Carman Johnson’s notepad of people who cross Main Street at South Avenue and 9D, one of the most dangerous intersections in Beacon.
Photo Credit: Katie HEllmuth

Carman Johnson has been a Crossing Guard for school children in the City of Beacon for 18 years. Each day, twice a day on her morning and afternoon shifts, she keeps a notepad of who crossed. Each day, she stands outside the Beacon Creamery and stares down every car coming down South Avenue who dares make the illegal left turn. And they do. Lots of them.

“The City could make a lot of money if there was a cop sitting here watching what goes on at this intersection,” Carman told A Little Beacon Blog one afternoon as a car pulled onto the lines indicating No Parking in front of Bank Square Coffee.

“I have asked the City for a big Right Turn Only arrow to be painted on the street 4 times. The people just don’t see these street signs or something.”

Being a Crossing Guard for the City of Beacon is one of Carman’s greatest joys. She is a dedicated volunteer, having offered her services at the Welcome Center, the Spirit of Beacon, the Chamber of Commerce, and other organizations over the years.

One of her greatest concerns is the safety of people crossing at the triple intersection of Main Street, Wolcott (9D) and South Avenue. When people whip around onto Main Street from 9D, they are often at high speed and don’t stop at the crosswalk.

“More than once, I have had to pull a child back from a car turning onto Main Street while I am in the middle of the road holding my Stop Sign. Other traffic has stopped and the children are crossing,” Carman told ALBB. “But some of these cars come around so fast, I have had to grab a child and pull them back.”

Numerous traffic safety issues exist at this intersection, but the Right Turn Only arrow painted onto the street is one solution Carman wanted to see. This year, after the road work on Fishkill and Teller Avenue completed and striping began, Carman got her wish for South Avenue. When she showed up to work one day, the painted arrow was there.

“Are you happy now?” ALBB asked Carman.

“Yes. Very,” Carman answered.

To be continued…