This is one of a series of posts relating a letter from Catoctin District School Board representative Jennifer Bergel to her constituents regarding the Cangiano/Burgess Wheatland property acquisition.
When a headline blazes “Panel Narrows Western High School Options” and the two sites in the article that are mentioned are Miller and Wheatland Farm, is there any question as to whom has the advantage? And these two were whittled down from a list that was considered by the Western Schools Task Force – a list focused on MS-10 and HS-10 future school sites.Next Post: Location
Leesburg Today headline December 20, 2007
Panel Narrows Western High School Options
Within a few weeks of this headline, it was clear to the public that the Miller farm was NOT for sale - the family asked for it to be removed from consideration. The letter was sent to LCPS staff, and the family has since followed up with email confirmations that the farm is not for sale.
Within the first few weeks of 2008, it was clear to me as the newly elected school board member where “we” might be heading for a possible land acquisition for HS-10 and other needed-schools. Nonetheless, Mr. Burton, Ms. Kurtz, Mayor Walker, Ms. Godfrey, and I met with LCPS staff to discuss our options for school sites.
The voters had approved land banking an HS-10 site – the priority was to find one.
People other than planning staffs spoke to one of the landowners.
An RFP was advertised for schools needed North of Rt. 9 – it was done at the request of elected officials based upon a constituent request.
My Observations: Though the price is a concern addressed by many, I saw it as justified because it allows land banking for future schools needed by a geographic region. Furthermore, it is on the major transportation artery for the region. Purchasing now as opposed to later should save money – land is of limited availability. The voters have APPROVED the acquisition of land for these future schools. I understand the price is high to many – but I am not sure if the price would ever be “right” for schools in this location. And I am very concerned about how much the “price” will be if this acquisition falls apart.
I am aware that people are suggesting other prices are better on land. For example, the $1.2 million property that is in Morrisonville but has a Lovettsville address. I wrote an email to a person using it as a basis for comparison asking the following questions, among many: Have you spoken to the 50-plus landowners on Morrisonville Road that would be impacted with ROW acquisition? Some of them would lose their homes. Plus, the village is historic. Furthermore - have you spoken to the landowners that would be impacted by a road being developed through their properties?
In response to the $3.4 million property on Purcellville Road - access is problematic. It is in the geographic area, though, and it too is slated for development, but I do not think it is fiscally responsible to go to that site. However, it is for sale for a lesser price.
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