Spokane Public Schools has released plans for the construction of the new Jefferson Elementary School. The presentation provided at the recent open house has been posted on its web site.
This new site has been the subject of considerable controversy. Proponents of the location change pointed to a survey conducted by the district in favor of the move, preservation of the use of the old elementary building, and a $4 million cost savings. Opponents delivered 900 signatures against the move citing increased traffic and harming residential property values.
According to the Spokesman-Review, the design of the site retains the old stand of trees which was feared to be lost as a result of the construction. The new plan actually increases the number of trees on the site along both 37th Avenue and Manito Boulevard.
There will be additional open houses this year to show progress on the project. The first will be on March 31, before the design presentation to the board on April 13. The second will be on September 29, after design development is complete. The project is anticipated to go to bid next winter, with construction occurring throughout 2012 and into 2013, just in time for the 2013-2014 school year.
So typical that the Spokesman Reveiw would reduce the objection for this move to "the design of the site retains the old stand of trees which was feared to be lost as a result of the construction." Typical Spokesman spin. Most neighbors oject because the change is not needed. The current location of the school could easily be re-appointed with a new school in it's current location. Allowing the traffic flow between SAC on 33rd and Jefferson School. This isn't fooling anyone. The current Jefferson poperty is worth more to the city if sold for commercial use.
ReplyDeleteIn earlier articles, the Spokesman did cite the traffic. In this one, I suppose, since the move is fait accompli, they were focused on the preservation of the trees. But, you're right, it is important to note that there still remains no shortage of bad feelings in some quarters.
ReplyDeleteI don't know what kind of deed restrictions are in place at the current site. If it was transferred to the school district at the same time as Hart Field and with the same restrictions, then it may not be capable of commercial activity. That would be an interesting thing to check out.
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