Letter: Obligation to build new schools must be met

Thursday, March 30, 2006 | 6:34 a.m.

Regarding Emily Richmond's March 29 article on the threat to the rural lifestyle by a proposed elementary school in Henderson, as Dr. Phil might say, "that horse has left the barn."

Since the Henderson Planning Commission and the City Council have been approving all these new housing developments over the past 10 years, they are obligated to follow through and approve school sites as needed. They are responsible to provide for the needs of the residents that they approved housing for.

If they had not wanted to build more schools, then they should have only permitted 55-and-over retirement communities to be built. Instead, they approved single family homes and, in some cases, very large single family homes where one can reasonably expect to have children living in.

There should be very little disagreement on the City Council about whether the new elementary school should be built. Construction should have already begun. The local elementary schools are far too overcrowded, and relief is needed immediately, not in some distant future.

J. Marlin Walker Elementary School, where two of my children attend, is expected to hit full capacity by next school year. No more portables can be added; hang the "No Vacancy" sign.

I understand the frustration of the rural homeowners, but I believe it's far too late now to prevent encroachment on their way of living. Once the city approved all the new housing in that area, everyone living there has to accept the necessities that come with a community, such as schools, fire stations, police stations, etc.

Don't blame the parents or the students who just want to attend a school in their area that is not overcrowded, blame the lack of foresight and planning by our elected officials. Next time the city considers a new housing development, ask them what their plans are for the needs of this new neighborhood. This is the only way to preserve a way of life in any community.

Dane S. Halovich, Henderson