For years, parents and guardians at Agana Heights Elementary School have relied on the lot at its mayor’s office to park their cars and quickly pick up their children after school.  

According to one parent speaking with KUAM, this system has significantly reduced wait times, making the pick-up process more efficient.  

“It does speed up the process. The parents are there already–they don’t have to wait in that line. They’ll get their kid, get in their car, and leave,” said the parent. 

However, starting in February, this will change with the opening of the first Central Adult Care program at the mayor’s office, making Agana Heights the pilot village for the initiative.  

With expected increases in traffic from the elderly and individuals with disabilities, the mayor’s office released a memo asking parents to refrain from using the lot for pick-ups to reduce congestion and ensure access for transit vehicles and emergency services.  

While the change is meant to improve safety and accessibility, some parents worry it could create new challenges. One parent anticipates major issues with the pick-up line come next month.

“I’m pretty sure that line will come up Francisco Javier Street all the way to maybe the Apugan Villa because there’s no way of parking anymore,” they said. “Past the gym toward the Sinajana area.”

Still, could the lot be adapted to serve both purposes? 

Newly elected Mayor Richard Arroyo said he’s open to assessing the situation once the program is underway.  

“If I see that traffic is fine and everything is well–then we can venture and see how we can accommodate those individuals–because I am aware of it–I'm not insensitive to what they’re doing,” said Arroyo. “I’m not saying it's going to stop forever. We need to get this program going.”

Mayor Arroyo added that he plans to meet with more parents to discuss the situation and potential solutions.