Local businessman says school cannot be compromised
To the editor:
Of the many ingredients required for stabilizing and revitalizing our Highland Square neighborhoods, the rebuilding of Portage Path Elementary School is the most important. All efforts should be focused on assuring that the replacement school is equal to or better than the wonderful, new Judith Resnik Community Learning Center.
Saving the Highland Theater will mean compromising the quality of a new elementary school. Is that the choice we want to make in a fiercely competitive, education-based, global economy? Would anyone seriously argue that if the theater land was owned by the school that the land should be taken from the school for a movie theater? This is not a situation that calls for compromise. It is a time for setting priorities, for making important choices that will have very long-term consequences.
All the leadership energy being expended to prolong the agony of a weary and dreary theater that is obsolete, energy inefficient and drowning in red ink should be focused on optimizing Portage Path Elementary. That’s the future. I hope the Portage Path PTA parents will not accept second best for their children for the sake of “saving” a movie theater. I hope the homeowners of Highland Square will speak up for a great new school that they can be proud of and that will enhance the property value of their homes.
With input from residents, business, city planners and leaders, a new, interesting and unique Highland Square business district is emerging. With the same effort, and with development strategies that reflect today’s realities and opportunities, we can replace the old with the new and make even better memories of Highland Square and Portage Path Elementary for generations to come.
Steve Albrecht, secretary/treasurer, Albrecht Inc.
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