Calling funding a "considerable issue", Department of City Planning Director Charles C. Graves III believes that a Northside community proposal for the (BIRD'S EYE) is likely unworkable.
In late November, the Northside Community Council contacted Cincinnati City Council to request their help in working with Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS) and the (CRC) in relocating the new Chase School.
As part if its $1 billion facilities master plan, CPS plans to demolish the 30-year-old Chase School and replace it with a new $14 million building on the same site.
The site is commonly referred to by community residents as "the pit" or "the hole", and the neighborhood would like to see the school built in a more visible location - closer to Chase Avenue and the McKie Recreation Center - to create a community learning center that can be used by people of all ages.
To the NCC, putting an expensive new building in a site that they know doesn't work is a waste of taxpayer money.
But in a report to City Council, Graves says that money for the NCC's idea is probably not available.
"CPS has indicated that there is currently funding for only the replacement of Chase School," Graves said. "CRC has recently made some interior improvements to McKie Recreation Center, and does not have it scheduled for replacement in the near future."
The NCC has offered financial assistance, reaching an agreement with Duke Energy to have a nearby power substation decomissioned and the land deeded to CPS.
They also have an additional $500,000 donation in hand, but it appears that the City is not going to facilitate a deal.
CPS has not addressed the matter in any recent board meetings.
Chase School is scheduled to be demolished within the next six to twelve months.
Previous reading on BC:
Northside council wants CPS, CRC cooperation on Chase site (12/12/07)
Who Would You Honor?
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3 comments:
I'm not 100% sure about this, but I bet a big part of the reason they want to "tear down and rebuild" is that if they simply close the school and build a new one elsewhere, they have to offer the existing school building to any charter schools that may want it. CPS doesn't want the competition, so they rebuild in place.
^ Good point. That is entirely possible. CPS has also had some issues with trying to unload its vacant buildings as well. It's kind of a hassle for them.
I remember when the school was built! I was a student at Chase for one year in the late 70's then it closed. We were transferred to Kirby Road while the new school was being built.
I ultimately ended up at St. Boniface, but spent many summer days swimming at McKie's pool.
I don't understand why we can't repurpose Kirby or Schwab...why do we need a new school? I can't remember what the excuse was for closing the original Chase, but CPS sure spends money like it's going out of style.
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