Letter-Track best for school

Dear Editor

Last week, with all important county board business apparently concluded, Board Supervisors Norton-Bauman and Hermsen dropped in on the City of Hudson Planning Commission meeting to influence the consideration of the re-zoning of the dog track property.

Mr. Hermsen is quoted as saying “I’ve got an understanding of how difficult it is to get commercial and industrial land zoned.” Indeed. The county is stuck with a parcel of land at Carmichael and Vine which is zoned for public use. This greatly limits the pool of potential buyers and explains why the county is courting the Hudson School District. Ms. Norton-Bauman and Mr. Hermsen are anything but disinterested parties when requesting that the dog track not be rezoned.

The county parcel was examined thoroughly by the school board. It is far too small to meet our land requirements. And frankly, with three other large schools within one mile, only a fool would place another large secondary school at that location.

I have long valued the relationship the Hudson School District has maintained with the city of Hudson. City leaders demonstrated great leadership when they chose to annex the property for the construction of River Crest Elementary. I appreciate the Planning Commission’s position, and understand that they wish to be thoughtful in these deliberations.

I am confident that they will realize the tremendous value this location offers to the Hudson community and School District.

The dog track site has been recently appraised at twice the amount the Hudson School District has agreed to pay for it. Re-use of existing infrastructure yields our taxpayers another $4.5 to $7.5 million in savings. This site is strategically located within our community and it is large enough to allow us to build a high quality campus without limitations. I doubt we will ever see an opportunity like this again.

Supervisor Norton-Bauman stated that the Planning Commission should consider what is best for the city of Hudson taxpayers. She’s got it half right. Please consider what is best for the entire Hudson community, taxpayers, as well as the nearly 6,000 children we are charged with educating.

Mark Kaisersatt, Hudson, School board member

Tags: opinion, letters, education