I won't belabor the issue for those who don't think it's a big deal, but Wake will appeal the rejection of the parking lot at Broughton High School.
Mike Burriss, assistant superintendent for facilities, said the school asked his office to contest the Raleigh Planning Commission's decision. The Raleigh City Council will hear the request to turn Broughton's front lawn into a parking lot on Tuesday.
If this week's hearing was any indication, it could get pretty emotional when the alumni turn out on Tuesday. The meeting is at 1 p.m. in the Council Chambers, 222 W. Hargett St.
Comments
BHS parking lot
Mon, 09/15/2008 - 14:30 — Anonymous (not verified)As a parent of a current Senior at BHS- I and my child oppose the parking lot. parking at school is a privilege and not a students right. We do not need to pave over any more grassland to make room for the privileged few and their cars - TAKE THE BUS, WALK, BIKE or CAR POOL and save our roads, our air and the traffic jam at the school and decrease accidents. Parking should only be available for the school staff and visitors - the rest should (like 85% of the student body) either take the bus, walk or get your parents to drop you off. Message to the PTA - pls use your resources more wisely to benefit the entire school body and not just the 5% of the student body who drive to school in their own cars. A PTA memeber
Is A City Council Member A Broughton Alum?
Fri, 09/12/2008 - 11:34 — Lisa_BThis was brought up this morning at carpool and I haven't personally confirmed it---is it true that one of the City Council members is actually a Broughton Alum?? Maybe the rest of the City Council members felt a bit pressured when this decision affected one of their own???
the City COuncil hasn't
Fri, 09/12/2008 - 12:32 — shank56the City COuncil hasn't heard the case yet. Keung reported that 2 planning commssion members were Broughton alums. The chair of the planning commission excused herself at the start of the hearing? Anyone know why?
Recusal
Fri, 09/12/2008 - 15:12 — KeungHui (author)The chair of the Planning Commission recused hersefl from the issue becuase of her engineering firm. I don't remember the exact reason but it's likey that her firm does work with the school system. Just being an alumnist is not grounds for recusal so those two commission members voted on Tuesday.
So There Was A Connection?
Fri, 09/12/2008 - 16:15 — Lisa_BSorry that I haven't been following this as closely as school assignment issues. So, 2 of the commission members who voted to keep the lawn ARE actually Broughton Alumni...
From the Proposal to the
Fri, 09/12/2008 - 09:37 — shank56From the Proposal to the Planning Commission:
ADDITIONAL NOTES: The Raleigh Historic Districts Commission approved a Certificate of Appropriateness for the proposed vehicular surface area expansion, including landscaping, lighting, sidewalk and retaining wall construction on March 3, 2008.
What is interesting is that WCPSS has worked WITH the City of Raleigh and its Historic Districts Commission on the site to make it attractive and functional.
And now at the end of the project, another City of Raleigh commission shoots down the entire project.
Have watched the online
Fri, 09/12/2008 - 19:33 — shank56Have watched the online video again and am astounded at the decison of the Planning Commission.
According to staff speakers, this parking lot process has been ongoing for 2 years with Raleigh city and Historical Commission approval. Process involved removing trailers from the front lawn, locating modulars in the back, and restoring lost parking spots from the back to the front.
The site/construction manager said they had to have approval twice from the Historical Commission. ( My guess is that the Historical Commission has a higher threshold of approval than other city commissions. )
From comments made by WCPSS adn city staff (?),it appears that every normal threshold for approval was made.
Why then the big NO votes? Who among the alums is scaring everyone on the Planning commission off?
Also interesting that the acting chair began to press speakers to hurry as he felt enough time had been spent. I was under the impression that each speaker had 2 minutes to speak. Howver, he let the old alums speak at will- one lady spoke at least 7 minutes, and others spoke at least 5 apiece. The last 2 speakers were in favor of the plan- on being the PTA President and both were rushed through.
Politics being played. WHY ?
BigWinnie--I was actually
Fri, 09/12/2008 - 08:57 — jenmanBigWinnie--I was actually glad and frankly, surprised to see WCPSS appeal this decision. It seems that most of the current students, parents and surrounding neighbors approve of the parking lot. So kudos to WCPSS for standing up to the 'elite' alums.
Jenman, I get what you are
Fri, 09/12/2008 - 09:21 — bigwinnieJenman, I get what you are saying, I do, and of course I am against the elitism that is ITB, but it's the arrogance of the BoE (eR) I am referring to. I could give a rat's patootie about grass vs. pavement,in the scheme of things that about the last thing on the list....it's petty and small of me, but I want to see the BoE get a little bit of the hard knocks, a taste of what we parents have put up with from them for years. that's all.
You can bet....
Thu, 09/11/2008 - 21:31 — WuptdoYou can bet are highly educational motivated NCGA politicians of the democratic party, like Debbie Ross and Ty Harrell will be there to represent "their" people. I wonder how they handle this "conflicts of interest" when it comes to an ITB school? On one side, they must support the ITB School Board/Management, but on the other, do they face the wrath of this schools elite alumni in their districts.
Life is so much easier for these elected officials, when they can pick on folks living outside of the beltline.
Broughton Parking LOt
Thu, 09/11/2008 - 20:33 — Anonymous (not verified)I am a huge proponent of keeping the grass in front of Needham B. Broughton High School. As an alum, I believe that the grass is very important to the impressive stature and contibutes to the overall importance of the school that has produced so many affluent and prosperous citizens of this great city, county, state and country. Lets not prohibit the future students from enjoying and inheriting the rich tradtion that Broughton instills in all of us. I say keep the grass. If not, one of us will pay for it. We have the money thats for sure! Go CAPS!!!!!
grass is a rich tradition? c'mon I got a bridge for ya..
Fri, 09/12/2008 - 00:30 — bigwinnie"Lets not prohibit the future students from enjoying and inheriting the rich tradtion that Broughton instills in all of us"
I can only assume that this whole entry is faked anyway, an illustrious alum wouldn't be afraid to put their name.
OT alert
Thu, 09/11/2008 - 18:55 — bigwinniehttp://abclocal.go.com/wtvd/story?section=news/state&id=6385136
NC teachers unhappy with bonus cuts
oh one more thing
Thu, 09/11/2008 - 18:17 — bigwinnie"emotional" meaning angry or "emotional" people crying about losing grass?
OY
Thu, 09/11/2008 - 18:16 — bigwinnieok, obviously there are those of us who believe there are bigger fish to fry than grass vs. pavement, however, I must say I am not surprised the arrogant BoE pushed forward with yet another "court" type appearance, I can only hope they'll get slapped by the Raleigh City council the way the Supreme court did. might that open someone's eyes besides Ron's?