What?
$30M and Still No North Shore School?
(July 28, 2001)
Under an agreement announced July 20th,
none of the $30 million allocated by the City Council for school
construction will be spent on a North Shore School. $18 million will be split
among 3 schools -- Markham Intermediate School (IS51) in Graniteville, PS 52 in
Dongan Hills, and PS 1 in Tottenville -- to add new additions and $12 million
will be spread evenly amongst all the Island elementary and intermediate
schools on miscellaneous projects, such as computer lab upgrades and play yard
renovation.
This agreement leaves the North Shore
without the new school it has long sought and adds urgency to the Rose campaign
petition drive for a new North Shore school. "I am deeply disappointed in
this agreement," says Rose. "While I agree that money is needed to alleviate
the serious overcrowding conditions at Markham Intermediate School, this
agreement is not fair to the North Shore. By splitting up the $30 million so
many ways, the North Shore is left without construction money for a new school.
Basic fairness dictates that the North Shore is entitled to a new school." She
has called on the Island Council representatives to reconsider this agreement.
She challenged one of her opponents in the 49th City Council District race,
Michael McMahon, legal counsel to O’Donovan, to help her convince his boss
that this is a bad agreement that needs to be reconsidered in light of the
needs of the North Shore. "This agreement just points out even more clearly how
important it is to have a strong, independent voice in the City Council
advocating for the North Shore. I intend to be that voice and find a way to get
the North Shore the new school it deserves." |
