As a reminder, the Montgomery County Board of Education owns a dedicated, paid for, elementary school site right down the road from the City of Gaithersburg Kelley Park. But, instead of using the land that they own, the Board of Education is going to build an elementary school on a City of Gaithersburg Park. This plan has the Board of Education paying over $1.5 MILLION Operating Budget (teacher salary) dollars to the City of Gaithersburg for an artificial turf football field, bleachers, lights and a tot lot.
The Board of Education could build a school on their own land and they wouldn't have to pay a thing to the City of Gaithersburg. But this plan provides a way for the City of Gaithersburg to take in $1.5 MILLION dollars from the MCPS Operating Budget.
And this Plan is going forward, even during a Global Pandemic where MCPS students are struggling to learn through virtual platforms. The Board of Education does not have any problem handing over $1.5 MILLION to the City of Gaithersburg, even during a Global Pandemic.
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On Saturday, October 17, 2020, the residents of the Kelley Park neighborhoods will say good-bye to the 55 TREES that the Montgomery County Board of Education will be taking from the local park.
LOVE A TREE
We anticipate that MCPS will do whatever it takes to start construction in January, even despite our appeal. Save Kelley Park wants to help Gaithersburg residents appreciate the impact that the construction will have on just the trees in the park. Every tree within the 7.1 acres that composes the Level of Development is scheduled to be removed. We are working hard to prevent 55 trees from coming down, especially two amazing Bald Cypress tree located near the tot lot.
We invite you to RSVP and join us on October 17th (rain date October 18th) where you can “adopt” your tree.
You will be given a time slot.
Bring a love note to your tree or create a drawing.
We’ll help you safely place it on your tree
Have a picture taken with YOUR tree
Then take some time to visit the park….while we still have it.
This event is going to be conducted in accordance with current Montgomery County COVID-19 safety guidance. As a result, no more than 50 people can be on site at one time. You and your party will be given a time slot. You will be expected to wear a mask at all times, except during your picture with YOUR tree if you so choose. Your time slot allows time for you to make a drawing or write a letter to your tree--materials will be available, however we encourage you to prepare your item in advance and bring it with you. Should you have questions, please reach out to Lynn (202 236-6776) or Steve (240 671-5072). In the event of rain, we will send an email and post to our website SAVEKELLEYPARK.com.
They must be super confident that they generate enough 'air' to fill up the void.
ReplyDeleteMore poor decisions by MCPS. Remember when they left the Robert E. Peary HS site to deteriorate and be vandalized, then sold this prime Rockville real estate for nothing in area of high need. They need to use those funds to focus on making the schools ready for staff, students, and the community. The ventilation systems in MCPS buildings are not up to par. I worked in over 40 buildings in MCPS in 30 years and experienced the poor systems myself.
ReplyDeleteDo you think the ventilation systems in MCPS schools can be made safe for return to school during a Global Pandemic?
Deleteon top of chopping down 55 trees, MCPS plans to install a petroleum based, dead, plastic synthetic surface (synthetic "turf" field). "The tree planting offset requirements to achieve a 10-year carbon neutral synthetic turf installation is estimated to be 1861 trees (±23%)." The synturf will waste educational dollars by costing four times as much as modern grass field which also has lower risks and similar playability. Please help MCPS do due diligence.
ReplyDelete