Support for HS/MS-10 site alternative proposed in Lovettsville by C.L.A.S.S.

[Stinger]

Supervisors,

As my representatives, I urge you to please give serious consideration to the subject attached proposal "A Vision for Lovettsville" which was presented this week to you by citizen group C.L.A.S.S (www.class-now.org) during the public hearing on the Lovettsville Park SPEX. 

 

Your statements and immediate action which followed strongly suggest you refuse to give the alternative an opportunity to be evaluated.http://loudoun.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=35&clip_id=1495  

 

In 2006, citizens requested that Franklin Park be evaluated for HS-3, despite $Ms of improvements already in the ground at that Park.  Supervisor Burton agreed to evaluate the possibility. http://tiny.cc/sbn6l  Why is the C.L.A.S.S alternative not afforded the same consideration?  Do citizens need to organize another rally and submit yet another petition to convince you there is local support for schools in Lovettsville?

 

The only reason the C.L.A.S.S. proposal was even conceptualized and brought forward at this time is because LCPS has eliminated ALL viable options previously raised such that NO other good options are left. 

 

LCPS staff admitted ( http://tiny.cc/8vaxz ) they intentionally allowed the ES-25 site (Crim) property contracts expire, so it appears obvious the same tactic was used to kill the McDonough Assemblage option.  The sabotage of the McDonough Assemblage alternative is absolutely inexcusable.  First the Millers were disrespected in 2006-2007 (http://tiny.cc/o6ela )  perhaps in part because viable alternatives to Fields Farm could never have been allowed to advance during the lawsuits.  Then the landowners in the McDonough Assemblage were disrespected by County inaction for an entire year 2009-2010.  All because a handful of people desperately wish to deny Lovettsville a high school.  

 

The C.L.A.S.S. proposal is arguably the most logical alternative ever advanced, it not only complies with the Revised General Plan, the alternative would receive accolades for successful application of Smart Growth principles http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/schools.htm and could win grants like those available from VDOT for Safe Routes to School sidewalk construction (designed to promote pedestrian/bicycle accessibility to schools  http://www.virginiadot.org/programs/ted_Rt2_school_pro.asp).  And, by getting children out of busses, significant transportation costs for hundreds of children living in Town would be saved over the lifetime of the facilities.

 

Not only is the option and specific layout logical from a traffic/pedestrian flow standpoint, it appears to be significantly cheaper due to very close proximity to existing Town sewer and other central utilities; and, would bring hundreds of jobs to the Town.  Further, significant revenue is lost each year from Lovettsville area residents who travel into nearby Maryland for goods and services.  With additional economic development in Lovettsville as a result of schools, that lost revenue and new revenue streams could come to Loudoun.    

 

In the final alnalysis, it is your fiduciary responsibility to evaluate all options, and particularly those which could save County taxpayers money.  Parks are definitely important, but so are schools.  In fact most of the citizens I speak with believe schools are a measure more important.  The beauty of this option is that ALL the carefully planned Park amentities are retained, some are just re-located a short distance across the street.  When combined, the C.L.A.S.S. option effectively sets aside a total of 165 acres for community use for a very affordable price (and from a willing seller) - offering absolutely the best cost-value ratio for the taxpayer's investment.  What's more, the safety benefits are immeasurable - there is no other site (except perhaps the McDonough Assemblage) which would allow such quick Fire/Rescue emergency response times for the schools.  

 

Mayor Walker has very effectively networked to push the high school far from Lovettsville, since at least 2006 (http://tiny.cc/aoi63 ); last year she strongly advocated for the Cangiano/Burgess Wheatland site; and, this week became hostile when politely asked by a prominent, esteemed member of the local business community about this alternative.  Please let the C.L.A.S.S. Vision stand or fail on its own merits, without being preempted by political favors.  Because make no mistake, Lovettsville Town and area citizens strongly support schools and, if given the opportunity to tell you themselves, may be more than happy to compromise on moving the active recreation elements a very short distance so that, similar to Ida Lee Park in Leesburg, they can be logically co-located with the Lovettsville community center and library; and, in accordance with County policy, have the elementary, middle and high schools co-located as well.  

 

Sincerely,

Sarah Stinger

www.smalltownschools.net