Public supplies ideas for future of Lincoln School
Clear Lake school leaders opened discussion Monday night regarding the future of the Lincoln School building.
The 82-year-old elementary school will be closed at the end of the school year. First and second graders will begin the 2008-09 school year in the expanded Clear Creek Elementary School.
“As we vacate the premises, it does become a liability for us,” said School Board President Ron Andrews, who led the ad hoc committee meeting for the board Monday. About 15 persons attended to give their input concerning potential future uses of the Lincoln School site.
City Administrator Scott Flory and Economic Development Corporation President-Elect Vickie Snyder both encouraged development on the site which would generate tax dollars and potential growth for the community.
Local developer Randy Cram agreed, saying he could envision a “win-win” situation for the school district and city if the 4.25 acre site would be developed.
“If a project could appeal to first-time (home) buyers or young families, it could bring more children for the school district and generate more tax dollars for the city,” said Cram. “The infrastructure is in place, making it less expensive to develop, and residential TIF funding could be used to tear down the older portion of the building.”
Rod Pump said he hoped the school district would pursue saving the school building in its entirety, saying it holds significant sentimental value for many. He said the central location of the site makes it ideal for the re-location of the city’s parks and recreation department, police and fire units, or possibly an interpretive welcome center.
Jan Lovell suggested the school be used as a multi-purpose facility which would address community needs and house complimentary organizations. In a letter to the school district she stated the Clear Lake Parks and Recreation Department is in need of either investing in its facility or relocating. Additionally, the Clear Lake Pubic Library historical room is packed with materials as the Historical Society enjoys renewed membership. Those needs, combined with a focus on the importance of restoring the lake and related educational components, would be good uses of the building.
“Imagine welcoming visitors to Clear Lake with a Clear Lake Center featuring an interactive lake and historical museum for visitors and resident of all ages to enjoy, green space, and a hub for recreational activities,” wrote Lovell.
Donna Dull, a kindergarten teacher for 39 years in the school building, also supported the idea of relocating the city’s parks department to the school site, noting it would provide a place for children to use on rainy days, as well as outdoor green space. Adult learning spaces and storage would also be available.
“I could see use for historical pieces, but the building’s accessibility would need to be addressed,” said Dull.
Todd Cash liked the park space the site provides, but told school board members he believes the parcel should be purchased for fair market value by whatever entity is chosen.
“I like the idea of getting the property on the tax rolls, but that location is so key-- it’s a difficult decision,” Deb Tesar said. “I like the parks and recreation idea, but not with police activities at the same location.”
City Administrator Scott Flory set the record straight with regards to building a fire station at the school site. The city’s research does not support placing a station at such a busy intersection, he said, adding that the city has acquired land adjacent to its fire museum and that is where the volunteer department plans to build a new facility and create a “fire campus” in the near future.
It is expected the city’s police department will expand into the space opened up by the fire and ambulance relocation. However, Flory did not rule out a move by the parks department, but said a recreational complex utilizing city property on 12th Avenue South is a high priority for the city.
