GRA: DPW Property Declared More Appropriate


Dedicated to Securing A Truly Perfect Location for Goffstown's Future Kindergarten & Elementary Schools

DPW Property Declared More Appropriate
Commission Cites expandability, Lack of Wetlands Impact
Site meets state regulations for acreage, entrances & more...

Comparison Chart of Both Locations | Photos, Site Plans & Graphs | GRA Feasibility Study | Conservation Commission Report

GOFFSTOWN, NH - The Goffstown Conservation Commission, in a July 13, 2005 report to the Planning Board, identified 18 acres of the DPW property located at Map 4, Lot 24 as a "more appropriate location" for the construction of Goffstown's new kindergarten.

"This application should compare using the nearby town-owned site at Map 5, Lot 24, which the Conservation Commission considers a more appropriate location. The site does not have wetlands, nor is it constricted in contiguous acreage for either a Kindergarten or expansion to a Elementary School", the report said.

The GRA has long contended that this DPW property is far better suited not only for our kindergarten, but also for future expansion to a desperately needed elementary school. Numerous independent studies commissioned by the GRA support this assertion.

Click to view GRA's Concept Plan for this property!

On Thursday, August 11th the Goffstown School District will present a development plan to the Planning Board for construction of the kindergarten on the Glen Lake site. Curiously, the plans that have been presented to date, including plans filed as part of the applications for state and federal permits, only include a kindergarten and not an elementary school. This piecemeal approach to addressing our school needs is not in the best interests of our residents and taxpayers, particularly when considering that the school district has included a new elementary school in their Capital Improvements Program request. Where is that elementary school to go?

In spite of repeated efforts by representatives of the GRA, the school district has steadfastly refused to consider the DPW property, which is much more suitable for development of this scale. When questioned as to why the school district has not investigated school construction on other town owned property, their response has been because the Board of Selectmen has not given them permission. The truth of the matter is that the Board of Selectmen has not denied the school district the opportunity to investigate other property because, according to town administration, the school district has never asked to be allowed to examine other property!

The school district is doing a huge disservice to our residents and taxpayers by not engaging in discussions with the Board of Selectmen regarding other options to meet the needs of our school children and their families in a way that utilizes good community planning in the most fiscally sound manner. Goffstown has until June of 2006 to develop the best possible plan, so there is no need to rush to some foregone conclusion.

Please take the time to maximize the use of this site to educate yourself as to has really been going on behind the scenes, and then ask questions of your elected town and school officials.

Also see:

    • Excerpts from Conservation Commission Report
    • Comparison Chart of Both Locations
    • Photos, Site Plans & Graphs
    • GRA Feasibility Study