Decatur Moves Forward with Redevelopment Projects
Decatur Metro | December 6, 2010UPDATE: OK, so the whole premise of my original post was wrong, as noted to CSD’s Bruce Roaden in the comments. A new Public Works building would actually serve as a joint MAINTENANCE facility with the city. Not an administration building. Oy.
My apologies. So here’s my revised – and much shorter – post.
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Tonight, the Decatur city commissioners took quite a few steps forward towards finalizing the bond projects that will finance the city’s Rec Center, Fire Station #1 and Public Works facility. They designated the “Redevelopment Area”, finalized the Urban Redevelopment Plan, “activated the Redevelopment Agency”, and agreed to lease-purchase the property adjacent to the current Public Works facility for $1.1 million.
And as for that public hearing: well, only one resident spoke up.
The only remaining step – accepting the bonds and the bond rate – will take place on December 15th.
Wow. This one took me completely by surprise. It seems like a positive development for all concerned. I’m sure that a new building could be better configured and equipped for CSD administration, teacher training, public meetings etc. Any mention of what Westchester will now be used for? Ironically, the latest conclusions about enrollment seem to be that Westchester is not needed right now as a school. It would be nice to see the auditorium/gym/stage used for those purposes again. Could Westchester be used for the Decatur Rec after-school program? Space has been tight in recent years and staff really liked the space at Westchester, back in the day. Could this be a westside satellite of Decatur Rec? Or is CSD still thinking about having an alternative school?
Post-corrected post: In the words of Roseann Roseannadanna, never mind. Could the joint facility at least provide parking for Westchester training attendees unwilling to park on neighboring streets and shuttle them over to avoid the lawn parking? I keep thinking CSD’s having a tractor pull.
The public works facility being proposed is a joint maintenance facility with the city and City Schools of Decatur. This is not a facility that will house City Schools of Decatur administration offices.
Sorry Bruce. Post has been updated to reflect the truth!
Aw shucks! Now you’ve gone & disappointed the administration folks! What fun they could’ve had sitting atop diggers & mowers & other fun equipment! Back to the boring old desk chairs!
I love that Bruce Roaden. He’s dreamy.