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Washington Village neighbors seek board's help |
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Sunday, 19 August 2007 |
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From the Daily Camera's Local Briefs, Wednesday August 15th 2007: Neighbors of north Boulder's closed Washington Elementary School attended Tuesday's Boulder Valley school board meeting, asking for the board's help in opposing the site's development plan. Jim Leach, president of Washington Village, wants to build a co-housing community, with 34 condos, six single-family homes and 7,100 square feet of commercial space, which would be built around a central courtyard where residents could gather. Board members responded that, because of an agreement with the city, the school district is not involved in the development phase. But board President Helayne Jones did direct Superintendent Chris King to meet with the neighbors to hear their concerns. Board members also reassured neighbors that there's been no talk on Boulder Valley's side about demolishing the century-old school. BVSDWatch.org's Take:
The closing and disposition of BVSD schools has been a contentious issue with in the BVSD community for years, with many community members feeling ignored, discounted, or otherwise shut out of the process. Here is an excellent opportunity for BVSD to create an open dialog and work with the community to find solutions that will benefit all and address community concerns. Even though BVSD may not have direct authority over what will be done, BVSD is still a powerful voice in the community with City officials, and has both an opportunity and obligation to assist in reconciling the interests of the community, the City, and prospective developers regarding final disposition of BVSD properties. If you have an opinion on this matter, please leave a comment on our website and share it with other community members.
If BVSD had listened to its vocally opposing citizenry BEFORE they closed schools, it most likely would not be having to deal with the citizenry again now. When will elected official ever begin to really listen to those that elected them? I do hope the City and Planning Board listen to these neighbors now. |
