The proposed Scalia school site got a unanimous thumbs down Wednesday from city planners.
Within minutes, school and city officials said they will scramble to try to come up with a different location in the western part of Bristol.
Though the Planning Commission endorsed a school on the former Crowley site on Pine Street, its refusal to support the Scalia site off Barlow Street effectively kills that option, city councilors and others said.
Though educational leaders said a vote against either site would make it impossible to go forward with the $130 million plan for two new 900-student schools, they said they plan to try to find an acceptable alternative.
They’re eyeing vacant land in the Chippens Hill area, including perhaps the former Roberts property, as a replacement for the Scalia sand pit that planner rejected.
“I can’t see how there’s going to be enough time,” said city Councilor Cliff Block, one of four councilors who backed both sites.
The planning veto of the Scalia site means that only a two-thirds vote by the council would allow the location to go forward – and none of the opponents is ready to switch sides.
Mayor Art Ward said he will turn up the heat to try to make the Roberts parcel possible, but other open areas on Chippens Hill are also being eyed.
Planners gunned down the Scalia site because they were concerned about its isolation, the cost of infrastructure improvements and their lack of involvement in making the selection to begin with.
City Planner Alan Weiner called it “a difficult decision” with pros and cons. He said it comes at the intersection of land use and educational policy.
Attorney James Ziogas, who represents the Scalias, said the process “has been flawed” in part because the city planner and city engineer were not included in the decision-making process.
They have the expertise “to help in this process” and they should have had input, Ziogas said.
A number of people questioned the placement of a school near such small roads.
“Is it safe for a school?” Ziogas said. “I know it’s not.”
He said he would also like to know the cost of infrastructure improvements off the site.
Ziogas said that Pequabuck Street “cannot handle the traffic.”
“The infrastructure costs are going to be tremendous” and they are not going to be reimbursed,” Ziogas said.
City Engineer Paul Strawderman said Barlow and Pequabuck streets need help.
“I wouldn’t begin to guess what it might cost to upgrade those streets,” the city engineer said.
There is a one-lane railroad overpass on Barlow that won’t be changed “no matter how much money you throw at it.”
Strawderman said there is “little or no storm drainage” in that area. Plus there’s a need for a water line and perhaps sidewalks, he said.
Streifer said that Strawderman is “exactly right” in considering the cost of the property, but “what we’re all facing as a community is that every cost decision we make now” is that given timelines to make deadline of June 13, 2010, the city needs sites, architectural plans and a contractor to build it.
“All that has to happen by June 13, 2010 or the city forfeits” the 73.9 percent state reimbursement rate on the project, Streifer said.
Ward said that the deadline could be extended, but Streifer said he strongly doubts that’s possible. He said he’s never seen it happen.
Board of Education member Tom O’Brien, who spearheaded the project, said that the Scalia site was picked because there were four votes for it on the City Council.
“It’s taken us 10 years to get to this point where we can have four votes on the City Council for two sites,” O’Brien said.
He said if this plan doesn’t go forward, it won’t happen in our lifetimes.
School Superintendent Philip Streifer said the planning vote “doesn’t make any sense” because it backed the Crowley site while turning down Scalia even though the issues commissioners raised were the same for both.
City Councilor Kevin McCauley called the decision “a travesty” and insisted it showed “a lack of vision” by the commission.
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Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
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Showing posts with label Scalia site. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Scalia site. Show all posts
September 24, 2008
Ziogas pleads case for Scalia
Attorney James Ziogas, who represents the property owner, said the process “has been flawed.”
The charter says that an advisory panel of city engineer, planner and others could have been tapped. Ziogas said this is the first time Strawderman and Weiner have been involved, which they agree about.
“Therein lies the problem,” Ziogas said.
They have the expertise “to help in this process” and they should have had input, Ziogas said.
The Scalia site is flawed.
“Is it safe for a school?” Ziogas said. “I know it’s not.”
He said he would also like to know the cost of infrastructure improvements off the site.
Ziogas said that Pequabuck Street “cannot handle the traffic.”
“The infrastructure costs are going to be tremendous” and they are not going to be reimbursed,” Ziogas said.
He said he’s also concerned about the cost of the Crowley site.
“They’re asking you to make this recommendation in a vacuum,” Ziogas said, pointing out there is not even a traffic study.
McDermott said that no detailed cost estimate has been done, only broad ones.
There hasn’t been a traffic study, school officials said.
McDermott said it would be premature until a site is picked.
Veits said he would like to know whether workshops were ever considered.
Streifer said he doesn’t think so. He said the building committees followed the traditional process, including the one used for Chippens Hill Middle School back in the 1990s.
Michaell Dudko of Lewis Road said his problem is with the Scalia site.
“We have two sites that are on extreme ends of the city,” Dudko said.
Dudko called the Scalia site “very isolated” when they should be more central.
A school could be put in the central part of the city, Dudko said.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
The charter says that an advisory panel of city engineer, planner and others could have been tapped. Ziogas said this is the first time Strawderman and Weiner have been involved, which they agree about.
“Therein lies the problem,” Ziogas said.
They have the expertise “to help in this process” and they should have had input, Ziogas said.
The Scalia site is flawed.
“Is it safe for a school?” Ziogas said. “I know it’s not.”
He said he would also like to know the cost of infrastructure improvements off the site.
Ziogas said that Pequabuck Street “cannot handle the traffic.”
“The infrastructure costs are going to be tremendous” and they are not going to be reimbursed,” Ziogas said.
He said he’s also concerned about the cost of the Crowley site.
“They’re asking you to make this recommendation in a vacuum,” Ziogas said, pointing out there is not even a traffic study.
McDermott said that no detailed cost estimate has been done, only broad ones.
There hasn’t been a traffic study, school officials said.
McDermott said it would be premature until a site is picked.
Veits said he would like to know whether workshops were ever considered.
Streifer said he doesn’t think so. He said the building committees followed the traditional process, including the one used for Chippens Hill Middle School back in the 1990s.
Michaell Dudko of Lewis Road said his problem is with the Scalia site.
“We have two sites that are on extreme ends of the city,” Dudko said.
Dudko called the Scalia site “very isolated” when they should be more central.
A school could be put in the central part of the city, Dudko said.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
One commissioner opposes Scalia site
Weiner said at the time the plan was created eight years ago, there was no consideration that new schools would be needed.
Weiner said that planners “would have been glad to have been involved” in choosing potential sites, but was never asked.
Streifer said it’s been a decade since the issue came up.
McDermott said the existing structures “probably couldn’t meet current standards” even eight years ago.
Board of Education member Tom O’Brien, who is spearheading the project, said “this is consistent with the plan of development” because it seeks to replace “aging, inefficient schools.””We have no alternatives except to build new schools,” O’Brien said.
He said that it is “the only possible solution” because the older schools have small sites and can’t be renovated while students remain in class.
If transportation and busing is an issue, O’Brien said, should realize few walk to school today. More than 80 percent of Bingham, Memorial Boulevard and Greene-Hills students are bused. The rest are mostly dropped off by parents.
“A very small percentage of students walk” to those schools, O’Brien said.
At O’Connell, he said, more walk, but there are safety and traffic issues there.
Ewings said he would like to know the costs of improvements at the Scalia site compared to other possible sites, including the one on Divinity Street.
O’Brien said it would be unrealistic to do cost assessments of all 12 potential sites. Until a specific site is chosen, O’Brien said, “we were in no position to spend any additional funds.”
O’Brien said he “loved” the Divinity Street, “but it doesn’t matter.”
Soares asked about remediation on the Crowley site.
Streifer said the proposed deal with Crowley is that he will deliver “a fully demolished and clean site” and that payment wouldn’t be made until it was done.
“We’re comfortable that we’ll get a clean site,” Streifer said.
Streifer said an additional sum to take care of demolition and full site cleanup would be included in the deal.
Marie Keeton, a planning commissioner, said he has “some issues” with the Scalia site. She is “really concerned” about the surrounding infrastructure.
“I’d have to not be in favor of this at all,” Keeton said.
“I drove up those roads all day the other day,” she said, and doesn’t believe it can be fixed.
“It will be a tremendous mess,” Keeton said, if that site is used.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Weiner said that planners “would have been glad to have been involved” in choosing potential sites, but was never asked.
Streifer said it’s been a decade since the issue came up.
McDermott said the existing structures “probably couldn’t meet current standards” even eight years ago.
Board of Education member Tom O’Brien, who is spearheading the project, said “this is consistent with the plan of development” because it seeks to replace “aging, inefficient schools.””We have no alternatives except to build new schools,” O’Brien said.
He said that it is “the only possible solution” because the older schools have small sites and can’t be renovated while students remain in class.
If transportation and busing is an issue, O’Brien said, should realize few walk to school today. More than 80 percent of Bingham, Memorial Boulevard and Greene-Hills students are bused. The rest are mostly dropped off by parents.
“A very small percentage of students walk” to those schools, O’Brien said.
At O’Connell, he said, more walk, but there are safety and traffic issues there.
Ewings said he would like to know the costs of improvements at the Scalia site compared to other possible sites, including the one on Divinity Street.
O’Brien said it would be unrealistic to do cost assessments of all 12 potential sites. Until a specific site is chosen, O’Brien said, “we were in no position to spend any additional funds.”
O’Brien said he “loved” the Divinity Street, “but it doesn’t matter.”
Soares asked about remediation on the Crowley site.
Streifer said the proposed deal with Crowley is that he will deliver “a fully demolished and clean site” and that payment wouldn’t be made until it was done.
“We’re comfortable that we’ll get a clean site,” Streifer said.
Streifer said an additional sum to take care of demolition and full site cleanup would be included in the deal.
Marie Keeton, a planning commissioner, said he has “some issues” with the Scalia site. She is “really concerned” about the surrounding infrastructure.
“I’d have to not be in favor of this at all,” Keeton said.
“I drove up those roads all day the other day,” she said, and doesn’t believe it can be fixed.
“It will be a tremendous mess,” Keeton said, if that site is used.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
School site study details pros and cons of possible locations
Here is a PDF of the March 2007 school site feasibility study's executive summary.
It makes for some interesting reading.
One fascinating aspect is that the Scalia site that the city is planning to buy is bigger than it needs to be -- which likely means that the state won't reimburse the city for more than a third of its cost and may not reimburse for some of the athletic fields that are eyed for the school.
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Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
It makes for some interesting reading.
One fascinating aspect is that the Scalia site that the city is planning to buy is bigger than it needs to be -- which likely means that the state won't reimburse the city for more than a third of its cost and may not reimburse for some of the athletic fields that are eyed for the school.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Planning may decide school site fate tonight
The planning commission may decide tonight whether to back the proposed sites for two new schools in Bristol.
Though some officials said this week that the decision would come next month, they may well be wrong.
It's up to planning commissioners whether to make a choice tonight or wait another month -- and they have typically decided on these types of questions in a single meeting.
Moreover, there may be a chance for public participation as well.
Again, planning commissioners have the right to listen to public comment on the issue. They apparently don't have to provide the forum, but they can, and they might.
Anyone who wishes to talk should keep in mind that they can only discuss the merits of the sites selected - the Scalia sand pit off Barlow Street and the former Crowley dealership off Pine Street - and not the merits of the kindergarten to eighth grade plan or other issues unrelated to the sites themselves.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Though some officials said this week that the decision would come next month, they may well be wrong.
It's up to planning commissioners whether to make a choice tonight or wait another month -- and they have typically decided on these types of questions in a single meeting.
Moreover, there may be a chance for public participation as well.
Again, planning commissioners have the right to listen to public comment on the issue. They apparently don't have to provide the forum, but they can, and they might.
Anyone who wishes to talk should keep in mind that they can only discuss the merits of the sites selected - the Scalia sand pit off Barlow Street and the former Crowley dealership off Pine Street - and not the merits of the kindergarten to eighth grade plan or other issues unrelated to the sites themselves.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
September 16, 2008
Zoning wants a say about school plans
Reporter Jackie Majerus wrote this story:
When city councilors and school officials move ahead with plans to build two new K-8 schools without first getting land use approvals, they're taking a risk of derailing the project, said zoning board Chairman Frank Johnson.
The plans to buy a former Scalia sand pit to use as a site for a proposed West End school require a recommendation from the planning board and a special permit from the city zoning commission.
The planning commission meets next week and is expected to consider the question of a school on the Scalia site then. They'll be asked to make a recommendation as to whether or not the site is appropriate for a school.
If the planning board recommends against it, the city can still move forward, but the vote by city councilors must be by a two-thirds majority rather than a simple majority.
If the project moves beyond the planning commission's recommendation, at some point it will land in the lap of zoning commissioners, who will have to decide whether that parcel of land in a residential zone should get a special permit to build a school there.
"The zoning commission's purview would be to determine whether or not that's the highest and best use for that land," said Johnson.
While Johnson said he could not speak for other zoning commissioners, he said he would personally "have to be convinced" that a school is the "highest and best" use for the property.
Johnson said he wouldn't want the zoning board to be the stumbling block that keeps the project from happening, but said the city's delay in consulting with land use boards sets them up for that role.
"They're putting us in a position where our decision is very late in the process," said Johnson.
It's difficult for the zoning commissioners to get their first look at a proposal after the city's already spent a bundle of money on the project, Johnson said.
In that case, Johnson said, the city may expect commissioners to "rubber stamp" the application.
But school and town officials shouldn't count on it, Johnson said.
"While that may have happened in the past on school projects, there's no guarantee it will always happen," Johnson said.
Johnson, who has served on the zoning board for two decades, said it wouldn't be right – or wise – to assume that the special permit application will sail through his commission.
"This has still got a lot of obstacles to go," said Johnson, before the deal is done.
City Councilor Craig Minor comments:
I was surprised to read Frank Johnson say that "The zoning commission's purview would be to determine whether or not that's the highest and best use for that land." "Highest and best use" is a phrase that real estate appraisers use to refer to the activity that makes the most profit for the land owner. The phrase is not in the Bristol Zoning Regulations, and according to the Connecticut Supreme Court, "The highest and best use…is not a controlling purpose of zoning".
The Zoning Commission's job is to make sure that an application complies with all of the zoning regulations. Finding the most profitable way to develop a piece of property is the job of the free market, not local government.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
When city councilors and school officials move ahead with plans to build two new K-8 schools without first getting land use approvals, they're taking a risk of derailing the project, said zoning board Chairman Frank Johnson.
The plans to buy a former Scalia sand pit to use as a site for a proposed West End school require a recommendation from the planning board and a special permit from the city zoning commission.
The planning commission meets next week and is expected to consider the question of a school on the Scalia site then. They'll be asked to make a recommendation as to whether or not the site is appropriate for a school.
If the planning board recommends against it, the city can still move forward, but the vote by city councilors must be by a two-thirds majority rather than a simple majority.
If the project moves beyond the planning commission's recommendation, at some point it will land in the lap of zoning commissioners, who will have to decide whether that parcel of land in a residential zone should get a special permit to build a school there.
"The zoning commission's purview would be to determine whether or not that's the highest and best use for that land," said Johnson.
While Johnson said he could not speak for other zoning commissioners, he said he would personally "have to be convinced" that a school is the "highest and best" use for the property.
Johnson said he wouldn't want the zoning board to be the stumbling block that keeps the project from happening, but said the city's delay in consulting with land use boards sets them up for that role.
"They're putting us in a position where our decision is very late in the process," said Johnson.
It's difficult for the zoning commissioners to get their first look at a proposal after the city's already spent a bundle of money on the project, Johnson said.
In that case, Johnson said, the city may expect commissioners to "rubber stamp" the application.
But school and town officials shouldn't count on it, Johnson said.
"While that may have happened in the past on school projects, there's no guarantee it will always happen," Johnson said.
Johnson, who has served on the zoning board for two decades, said it wouldn't be right – or wise – to assume that the special permit application will sail through his commission.
"This has still got a lot of obstacles to go," said Johnson, before the deal is done.
City Councilor Craig Minor comments:
I was surprised to read Frank Johnson say that "The zoning commission's purview would be to determine whether or not that's the highest and best use for that land." "Highest and best use" is a phrase that real estate appraisers use to refer to the activity that makes the most profit for the land owner. The phrase is not in the Bristol Zoning Regulations, and according to the Connecticut Supreme Court, "The highest and best use…is not a controlling purpose of zoning".
The Zoning Commission's job is to make sure that an application complies with all of the zoning regulations. Finding the most profitable way to develop a piece of property is the job of the free market, not local government.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
September 8, 2008
Yes to Crowley site. Yes to Scalia site. Yes to secrecy.
Breaking a months-long logjam, city councilors agreed Monday to press ahead with the purchase of property to house two new schools.
“I feel good right now,” said city Councilor Cliff Block. “This is great for the children and a great statement for the future.”
The decision, slated to be made final tonight, clears the way for a $120 million project to build two 900-student schools that would house kindergarten through eighth grade children. Four older schools would be shuttered.
Councilors unanimously endorsed the purchase of the former Crowley dealership on Pine Street for $2.1 million.
But they split 4-3 on whether to move ahead on using eminent domain to take the Scalia sand pit off Barlow Street. Appraisers said it’s worth $1.5 million but its owner wants $3.5 million for it, according to a memorandum from School Superintendent Philip Streifer to city councilors.
Technically, the council met Monday as an enlarged Real Estate Committee and recommended to itself to adopt the same purchase proposals at a meeting slated to begin at 7 p.m. tonight.
Mayor Art Ward said that delaying the final vote gives people a chance to speak at the council meeting before it’s too late to influence the outcome.
But nobody expects the outcome to change tonight.
“It’s obvious,” said city Councilor Frank Nicastro, who joined Ward and Councilor Mike Rimcoski in opposition to the Scalia site.
Ward added that the lineup “hasn’t changed in months” and probably won’t again.
Board of Education member Tom O’Brien, who spearheaded the project, said that he doesn’t mind winning by a single vote. He said it only takes a one vote margin to come out on top.
Streifer took a cautious view.
“I’ll wait to see what the council does,” Streifer said.
Councilors spent more than 100 minutes behind closed doors in secret session with the Forestville and West Bristol school building committees before emerging Monday to cast their votes.
The executive session was legal, said Dale Clift, the city attorney, because it focused on the negotiations for land.
Clift said that even though the prices had been mentioned in The Bristol Press on Monday – a leak that infuriated some insiders – the value of a “full, fair and frank discussion” in secret and hearing the details of the deals made it reasonable to meet outside of public view on the controversial issue.
There was no opportunity for councilors or the public to challenge the basic outline of the Board of Education plan to close Memorial Boulevard Middle School and three older elementary schools in favor of two K-8 schools.
City Councilor Craig Minor said that decision had already been made.
“It’s a leap of faith,” he told one disgruntled resident who challenged him to prove K-8 is a better system.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
“I feel good right now,” said city Councilor Cliff Block. “This is great for the children and a great statement for the future.”
The decision, slated to be made final tonight, clears the way for a $120 million project to build two 900-student schools that would house kindergarten through eighth grade children. Four older schools would be shuttered.
Councilors unanimously endorsed the purchase of the former Crowley dealership on Pine Street for $2.1 million.
But they split 4-3 on whether to move ahead on using eminent domain to take the Scalia sand pit off Barlow Street. Appraisers said it’s worth $1.5 million but its owner wants $3.5 million for it, according to a memorandum from School Superintendent Philip Streifer to city councilors.
Technically, the council met Monday as an enlarged Real Estate Committee and recommended to itself to adopt the same purchase proposals at a meeting slated to begin at 7 p.m. tonight.
Mayor Art Ward said that delaying the final vote gives people a chance to speak at the council meeting before it’s too late to influence the outcome.
But nobody expects the outcome to change tonight.
“It’s obvious,” said city Councilor Frank Nicastro, who joined Ward and Councilor Mike Rimcoski in opposition to the Scalia site.
Ward added that the lineup “hasn’t changed in months” and probably won’t again.
Board of Education member Tom O’Brien, who spearheaded the project, said that he doesn’t mind winning by a single vote. He said it only takes a one vote margin to come out on top.
Streifer took a cautious view.
“I’ll wait to see what the council does,” Streifer said.
Councilors spent more than 100 minutes behind closed doors in secret session with the Forestville and West Bristol school building committees before emerging Monday to cast their votes.
The executive session was legal, said Dale Clift, the city attorney, because it focused on the negotiations for land.
Clift said that even though the prices had been mentioned in The Bristol Press on Monday – a leak that infuriated some insiders – the value of a “full, fair and frank discussion” in secret and hearing the details of the deals made it reasonable to meet outside of public view on the controversial issue.
There was no opportunity for councilors or the public to challenge the basic outline of the Board of Education plan to close Memorial Boulevard Middle School and three older elementary schools in favor of two K-8 schools.
City Councilor Craig Minor said that decision had already been made.
“It’s a leap of faith,” he told one disgruntled resident who challenged him to prove K-8 is a better system.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Well, it's a wrap
City councilors came out of secret session tonight after about 100 minutes behind closed doors and quickly voted unanimously to recommend buying the former Crowley dealership and then voted 4-3 to recommend seeking acquisition of the Scalia sand pit off Barlow Street.
A final vote will be taken at Tuesday's regular council meeting, but unless the politicians see a public outpouring of opposition or hear a remarkably cogent address opposing the proposal, it's a done deal.
More later.
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Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
A final vote will be taken at Tuesday's regular council meeting, but unless the politicians see a public outpouring of opposition or hear a remarkably cogent address opposing the proposal, it's a done deal.
More later.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
February 19, 2008
City Council to consider Scalia site on March 6
Note from the mayor's office, moments ago:
A Special City Council Meeting has been scheduled for March 6 at 6 PM in City Council Chambers.
The recommendation for the Scalia property for the new West Bristol School proposal will be the only item on the agenda.
The meeting will include public participation.
If you have any questions, please contact the Mayor's office at (860) 584-6250.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
A Special City Council Meeting has been scheduled for March 6 at 6 PM in City Council Chambers.
The recommendation for the Scalia property for the new West Bristol School proposal will be the only item on the agenda.
The meeting will include public participation.
If you have any questions, please contact the Mayor's office at (860) 584-6250.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
September 27, 2007
No decision on proposed school sites
City councilors postponed making any decisions on two proposed new 900-student schools until they can hear directly from the special committee that recommended sites for the new buildings.
Because the decisions “are items of the utmost importance,” said city Councilor Art Ward, officials want to hear from those directly responsible for choosing the proposed locations.
Both the West Bristol and the Forestville school building committees are expected to make presentations to the council at its Oct. 9 meeting at City Hall.
“I want to know what their discovery process was,” said city Councilor Craig Minor. “How did they arrive at that conclusion?”
The Forestville panel recommended putting a new kindergarten to eighth grade school on the former Crowley dealership next door to Greene-Hills School, a site that isn’t particularly controversial.
But the West Bristol committee, faced with a wider array of choices, backed the idea of putting a new school at the Scalia “A” sand pit off Barlow Street, a plan that’s already drawn heat from the city’s zoning chairman and top fiscal overseers.
Minor said he recognizes that “no site is perfect” and that whatever is chosen will have flaws.
But, he said, he would like to hear about the drawbacks of each of the sites considered so he can weigh them himself.
Ward, who favors putting one of the new schools on the former Roberts property on Chippens Hill, said “there’s a lot of questions” that need to be answered before councilors will move ahead on the sites for the $115 million school project pushed by the Board of Education.
Ward said all the sites need to be examined in depth and every possible question answered about each of them so that nothing unexpected will come up years down the road.
Minor said he was surprised that the school building committee members skipped the special council meeting Thursday. He said he anticipated they would be present.
Minor said that in addition to hearing from the panel members, he is also interested in finding out what City Planner Alan Weiner has to say about potential school sites.
*******
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Because the decisions “are items of the utmost importance,” said city Councilor Art Ward, officials want to hear from those directly responsible for choosing the proposed locations.
Both the West Bristol and the Forestville school building committees are expected to make presentations to the council at its Oct. 9 meeting at City Hall.
“I want to know what their discovery process was,” said city Councilor Craig Minor. “How did they arrive at that conclusion?”
The Forestville panel recommended putting a new kindergarten to eighth grade school on the former Crowley dealership next door to Greene-Hills School, a site that isn’t particularly controversial.
But the West Bristol committee, faced with a wider array of choices, backed the idea of putting a new school at the Scalia “A” sand pit off Barlow Street, a plan that’s already drawn heat from the city’s zoning chairman and top fiscal overseers.
Minor said he recognizes that “no site is perfect” and that whatever is chosen will have flaws.
But, he said, he would like to hear about the drawbacks of each of the sites considered so he can weigh them himself.
Ward, who favors putting one of the new schools on the former Roberts property on Chippens Hill, said “there’s a lot of questions” that need to be answered before councilors will move ahead on the sites for the $115 million school project pushed by the Board of Education.
Ward said all the sites need to be examined in depth and every possible question answered about each of them so that nothing unexpected will come up years down the road.
Minor said he was surprised that the school building committee members skipped the special council meeting Thursday. He said he anticipated they would be present.
Minor said that in addition to hearing from the panel members, he is also interested in finding out what City Planner Alan Weiner has to say about potential school sites.
*******
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Two stories call Scalia site into question
Don't miss these two stories by reporter Jackie Majerus in today's Bristol Press:
Zoning chair: Scalia school site bad idea
and
City planner not consulted
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Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Zoning chair: Scalia school site bad idea
and
City planner not consulted
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Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
September 25, 2007
Finance leaders skeptical of Scalia site
The city’s two top fiscal overseers said Tuesday they’re skeptical about putting a new school on the Scalia site off Barlow Street.
“It’s not over yet,” said Finance Chairman Rich Miecznikowski.
Both Miecznikowski and the vice chairman of the Board of Finance, Roald Erling, said they would rather see the proposed kindergarten to eighth grade school built on the city-owned Roberts property.
“That would be the best choice,” said Miecznikowski, because taxpayers wouldn’t have to shell out anything to buy the land.
Erling said that the former Roberts property could house both the school and the playing fields that officials have long eyed for the site.
The Scalia site chosen by the West Bristol School Building Committee this week must still win the approval of a number of city panels, including the finance board.
Miecznikowski said that he is concerned that in addition to a hefty tab to buy the land, it may cost taxpayers a bundle to get it ready for a school.
He said that it’s merely a first step in the process to have the school building committee’s recommendation in hand.
What happens next is less clear.
Mayor William Stortz said that he anticipates that a special City Council session will consider both the Scalia and Forestville school sites on Thursday. The meeting is tentatively slated for 6 p.m. at City Hall.
Stortz said that councilors will likely have many questions about the sites so a decision probably won’t come Thursday.
But, he said, he would like the council to take a stand before the Nov. 6 election.
Stortz said that city leaders have been following the issue closely and have the expertise and background to make a decision.
“They’re in a better position” to choose than a new council would after the election, particularly when the newcomers have so many other major issues to deal with.
Stortz said he doesn’t want the plan to die for lack of action at City Hall, as a previous school plan did five years ago.
“I don’t want that to happen again,” the mayor said.
He said it is crucial that the city move ahead.
“We have to show the world we want to do something” to improve Bristol’s educational system, Stortz said. “Doing nothing is definitely not the right thing.”
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Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
“It’s not over yet,” said Finance Chairman Rich Miecznikowski.
Both Miecznikowski and the vice chairman of the Board of Finance, Roald Erling, said they would rather see the proposed kindergarten to eighth grade school built on the city-owned Roberts property.
“That would be the best choice,” said Miecznikowski, because taxpayers wouldn’t have to shell out anything to buy the land.
Erling said that the former Roberts property could house both the school and the playing fields that officials have long eyed for the site.
The Scalia site chosen by the West Bristol School Building Committee this week must still win the approval of a number of city panels, including the finance board.
Miecznikowski said that he is concerned that in addition to a hefty tab to buy the land, it may cost taxpayers a bundle to get it ready for a school.
He said that it’s merely a first step in the process to have the school building committee’s recommendation in hand.
What happens next is less clear.
Mayor William Stortz said that he anticipates that a special City Council session will consider both the Scalia and Forestville school sites on Thursday. The meeting is tentatively slated for 6 p.m. at City Hall.
Stortz said that councilors will likely have many questions about the sites so a decision probably won’t come Thursday.
But, he said, he would like the council to take a stand before the Nov. 6 election.
Stortz said that city leaders have been following the issue closely and have the expertise and background to make a decision.
“They’re in a better position” to choose than a new council would after the election, particularly when the newcomers have so many other major issues to deal with.
Stortz said he doesn’t want the plan to die for lack of action at City Hall, as a previous school plan did five years ago.
“I don’t want that to happen again,” the mayor said.
He said it is crucial that the city move ahead.
“We have to show the world we want to do something” to improve Bristol’s educational system, Stortz said. “Doing nothing is definitely not the right thing.”
*******
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Johnson weighs in on school sites
Republican mayoral contender Ken Johnson said he strongly supports the construction of new schools. He said it’s too late to talk about renovating some of the city’s older buildings.
Johnson said that he thinks the proposed Forestville school site, at the former Crowley dealership beside Greene-Hills School, is “on the right track.”
He said that a kindergarten to eighth grade school there would make it possible to stop busing Forestville middle schoolers downtown.
“This brings them back home,” Johnson said. “I think that’s good news.”
But the situation in the western part of Bristol is “not so clear,” Johnson said.
He said he’s “very glad that the Roberts property did not bubble to the top of the list” for a school site. He said he hopes that “we can retain that parcel for passive recreation for years to come.”
“Beyond that,” Johnson said, “I choose to let process unfold. I commend the team working on it.”
“They’ve studied it much more closely than I have” and done their homework, he said.
As for the proposed school site at the Scalia pit off Barlow Street, “we’ll see if it passes muster as it moves forward,” Johnson said.
“I do have to wonder about the selection of privately owned properties, particularly where we’re honing in on two privately owned properties even before we’ve begun negotiating on price,” Johnson said about both sites.
He said he’ll be “watching closely to ensure we don’t overpay as we did with mall.”
*******
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Johnson said that he thinks the proposed Forestville school site, at the former Crowley dealership beside Greene-Hills School, is “on the right track.”
He said that a kindergarten to eighth grade school there would make it possible to stop busing Forestville middle schoolers downtown.
“This brings them back home,” Johnson said. “I think that’s good news.”
But the situation in the western part of Bristol is “not so clear,” Johnson said.
He said he’s “very glad that the Roberts property did not bubble to the top of the list” for a school site. He said he hopes that “we can retain that parcel for passive recreation for years to come.”
“Beyond that,” Johnson said, “I choose to let process unfold. I commend the team working on it.”
“They’ve studied it much more closely than I have” and done their homework, he said.
As for the proposed school site at the Scalia pit off Barlow Street, “we’ll see if it passes muster as it moves forward,” Johnson said.
“I do have to wonder about the selection of privately owned properties, particularly where we’re honing in on two privately owned properties even before we’ve begun negotiating on price,” Johnson said about both sites.
He said he’ll be “watching closely to ensure we don’t overpay as we did with mall.”
*******
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Cockayne backs school sites
Republican City Council candidate Ken Cockayne sent this along to answer my questions on the school site selection:
Unfortunately with decisions like these, not everyone will be satisfied. There are pros and cons on all the proposed sites, but I feel that the recommendations made by the committee were appropriate and I feel I would have come to the same conclusions.
Although the mall property is centrally located and owned by the city already, this would be contradictory to what I believe the majority of Bristol citizens, including myself, are supporting right now; which is to revitalize downtown with new business and to get the property back on the tax rolls as soon as possible.
While the idea of a “neighborhood” school, albeit a “mega school” (which seems to have become a popular term), is great, I do not support the use of eminent domain, nor am I comfortable with a major thoroughfare cutting through school property, as it would be if a school were placed at the end of Divinity Street.
There have been many proposed uses for the Roberts Property since the city took it over. Residents in that area were not comfortable with a sports complex or anything more than a park for passive recreation. I do not think they would be happy with having two of the largest municipal buildings in the city adjacent to each other in their neighborhood. It also just doesn’t make much sense to me to have one building housing K-8 and the other housing grades 6-8 in the same neighborhood. Regarding the eventual use of this property, while a compromise that is mutually beneficial for everyone might later be reached, that is a topic for discussion much later. Projects for Bristol need to be prioritized and that is not a priority at this time and should be left alone.
Placing the schools on the selected sites makes sense to me. The Crowley / Greene-Hills School property keeps a school in that portion of town, and even if it is a “mega school” it will still be a neighborhood school which I think is important. The Scalia property site on the surface seems to be the least invasive of the other proposed sites. It does not have any of the issues facing it like the ones listed above. It is very close to Rockwell Park and the West End and it can still have somewhat of a neighborhood school type feel.
*******
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Unfortunately with decisions like these, not everyone will be satisfied. There are pros and cons on all the proposed sites, but I feel that the recommendations made by the committee were appropriate and I feel I would have come to the same conclusions.
Although the mall property is centrally located and owned by the city already, this would be contradictory to what I believe the majority of Bristol citizens, including myself, are supporting right now; which is to revitalize downtown with new business and to get the property back on the tax rolls as soon as possible.
While the idea of a “neighborhood” school, albeit a “mega school” (which seems to have become a popular term), is great, I do not support the use of eminent domain, nor am I comfortable with a major thoroughfare cutting through school property, as it would be if a school were placed at the end of Divinity Street.
There have been many proposed uses for the Roberts Property since the city took it over. Residents in that area were not comfortable with a sports complex or anything more than a park for passive recreation. I do not think they would be happy with having two of the largest municipal buildings in the city adjacent to each other in their neighborhood. It also just doesn’t make much sense to me to have one building housing K-8 and the other housing grades 6-8 in the same neighborhood. Regarding the eventual use of this property, while a compromise that is mutually beneficial for everyone might later be reached, that is a topic for discussion much later. Projects for Bristol need to be prioritized and that is not a priority at this time and should be left alone.
Placing the schools on the selected sites makes sense to me. The Crowley / Greene-Hills School property keeps a school in that portion of town, and even if it is a “mega school” it will still be a neighborhood school which I think is important. The Scalia property site on the surface seems to be the least invasive of the other proposed sites. It does not have any of the issues facing it like the ones listed above. It is very close to Rockwell Park and the West End and it can still have somewhat of a neighborhood school type feel.
*******
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Minor backs school sites
From city Councilor Craig Minor:
The seven citizens who volunteered their time to serve on the West Side School Building Committee did the job that they were asked to do (ditto the Forestville School Building Committee). They looked at the ten sites that they were told to consider. They held meetings and listened to the public. They asked questions of the consultants and did their homework. I respect them and the democratic decision-making process, so I will support their recommendation.
I was leaning toward a different site myself, but I don't have all the information that they had and I wasn't at all of their meetings, so I'm not going to pretend that I know better than they do what's best.
*******
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
The seven citizens who volunteered their time to serve on the West Side School Building Committee did the job that they were asked to do (ditto the Forestville School Building Committee). They looked at the ten sites that they were told to consider. They held meetings and listened to the public. They asked questions of the consultants and did their homework. I respect them and the democratic decision-making process, so I will support their recommendation.
I was leaning toward a different site myself, but I don't have all the information that they had and I wasn't at all of their meetings, so I'm not going to pretend that I know better than they do what's best.
*******
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Ward has "reservations" about Scalia site
Democratic mayoral candidate Art Ward said Tuesday he has doubts about the proposed Sclia site for a new K-8 school.
Ward said he leans more toward using the former Roberts property on Chippens Hill, which the city bought six years ago to serve as a recreation complex.
"I have reservations about the Scalia site due to the potential costs of purchasing the property versus utilization of the Roberts property which is already owned by the city which would save taxpayers additional costs," Ward said.
Ward said he has no problem with putting a new school at the former Crowley dealership on Pine Street.
"I firmly believe that the proposed Greene-Hills School site is ideal in that the location affords the opportunity to construct a new facility on-site and allows the preservation of the neighborhood school aspect," Ward said.
I'm waiting to hear from the other candidates about their thoughts on the appropriate school sites.
*******
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Ward said he leans more toward using the former Roberts property on Chippens Hill, which the city bought six years ago to serve as a recreation complex.
"I have reservations about the Scalia site due to the potential costs of purchasing the property versus utilization of the Roberts property which is already owned by the city which would save taxpayers additional costs," Ward said.
Ward said he has no problem with putting a new school at the former Crowley dealership on Pine Street.
"I firmly believe that the proposed Greene-Hills School site is ideal in that the location affords the opportunity to construct a new facility on-site and allows the preservation of the neighborhood school aspect," Ward said.
I'm waiting to hear from the other candidates about their thoughts on the appropriate school sites.
*******
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
New school site is the pits
Here's reporter Jackie Majerus' story today on the decision to put a new school off Barlow Street:
Committee members charged with selecting a site for the proposed West End K-8 school on Monday chose the former Scalia sand pit on Barlow Street as their location of choice.
The seven member site selection committee voted 5-2 in favor of recommending the old sand pit.
"They had given this an awful lot of thought," said Mike Audette, who chairs the committee and is principal of O'Connell School.
After hearing from the public and discussing four possible sites, Audette said, the committee voted.
Committee members Michele Currie, Gary Vontell, Don Soucy, Mayor William Stortz and Audette voted in favor of the Scalia site.
The other two members, Ivonne Hamm and Chris Wilson, voted against it.
The site selection committee for the Forestville K-8 school voted unanimously to recommend that the city purchase the former Crowley dealership on Pine Street for a new school.
"Both recommendations are going to City Council," said William Smyth, the business manager for the school district.
Audette said he was surprised and impressed when he went to see the old Scalia sand pit and found a pastoral scene of trees and rolling hills.
"It almost looks like you're in the country," Audette said, adding that he loved the thought of his students – who have only asphalt and no grass at recess – in that setting.
"What a different experience it would be for them," said Audette. "It struck me as such a beautiful setting."
Hamm said the Scalia site was her second choice.
"I thought the Bristol mall was the best site," said Hamm, because it maintained an urban setting, is already owned by the city and is closer to Bingham and O'Connell schools and would require less busing than the other locations.
Soucy said the Scalia site was his second choice. He preferred the site at Park and Divinity streets, which would have required using eminent domain to take many residential and commercial properties, including an abandoned grocery store.
Soucy said the words "eminent domain" probably helped torpedo that site and that the city's intent to develop the mall likely did the same.
"I understand we're not making the decision in a vacuum," said Soucy. "We have to send 'em a site that has a realistic chance of being accepted."
Audette, too, used the phrase "in a vacuum" to describe how the committee was not operating.
Audette said he worried about safety – especially traffic – at the downtown mall site and the Park and Divinity location. The former Roberts property is nice, but "a little too far out," Audette said.
"To me, it's not the West End," said Audette.
Soucy, a member of the city finance board, said he believes city councilors and finance board members will approve the selected site.
"I think it has the best chance," said Soucy.
Soucy said he didn't favor using the former Roberts property for a new school site.
"I still have high hopes of Roberts being developed as a recreation area," said Soucy.
*******
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Committee members charged with selecting a site for the proposed West End K-8 school on Monday chose the former Scalia sand pit on Barlow Street as their location of choice.
The seven member site selection committee voted 5-2 in favor of recommending the old sand pit.
"They had given this an awful lot of thought," said Mike Audette, who chairs the committee and is principal of O'Connell School.
After hearing from the public and discussing four possible sites, Audette said, the committee voted.
Committee members Michele Currie, Gary Vontell, Don Soucy, Mayor William Stortz and Audette voted in favor of the Scalia site.
The other two members, Ivonne Hamm and Chris Wilson, voted against it.
The site selection committee for the Forestville K-8 school voted unanimously to recommend that the city purchase the former Crowley dealership on Pine Street for a new school.
"Both recommendations are going to City Council," said William Smyth, the business manager for the school district.
Audette said he was surprised and impressed when he went to see the old Scalia sand pit and found a pastoral scene of trees and rolling hills.
"It almost looks like you're in the country," Audette said, adding that he loved the thought of his students – who have only asphalt and no grass at recess – in that setting.
"What a different experience it would be for them," said Audette. "It struck me as such a beautiful setting."
Hamm said the Scalia site was her second choice.
"I thought the Bristol mall was the best site," said Hamm, because it maintained an urban setting, is already owned by the city and is closer to Bingham and O'Connell schools and would require less busing than the other locations.
Soucy said the Scalia site was his second choice. He preferred the site at Park and Divinity streets, which would have required using eminent domain to take many residential and commercial properties, including an abandoned grocery store.
Soucy said the words "eminent domain" probably helped torpedo that site and that the city's intent to develop the mall likely did the same.
"I understand we're not making the decision in a vacuum," said Soucy. "We have to send 'em a site that has a realistic chance of being accepted."
Audette, too, used the phrase "in a vacuum" to describe how the committee was not operating.
Audette said he worried about safety – especially traffic – at the downtown mall site and the Park and Divinity location. The former Roberts property is nice, but "a little too far out," Audette said.
"To me, it's not the West End," said Audette.
Soucy, a member of the city finance board, said he believes city councilors and finance board members will approve the selected site.
"I think it has the best chance," said Soucy.
Soucy said he didn't favor using the former Roberts property for a new school site.
"I still have high hopes of Roberts being developed as a recreation area," said Soucy.
*******
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
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