This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.

An Error in Judgment

At the Dec. 20, 2015, meeting of the Blue Ribbon Commission, concerned citizens were presented multi-purpose uses for the old high school. With 200,000 square feet available, several options were given: civic, recreational, athletic, and a large portion for housing. Of concern to the commissioners were the influence of the state or federal government with senior housing and the lack of prior notification to residents affected by the school’s final use.

The 200 Tyler Street Committee previously held several meetings with concerned citizens, documenting what residents favored. Unfortunately, not one member of the 200 Tyler Street Committee was selected to be part of the Blue Ribbon Commission.

At two previous meetings, the 200 Tyler Street Committee noted that multi-purpose use of the old high school was favored. Placed as a priority were education, recreation, cultural, and municipal use. Of less importance was housing.

At the Dec. 29, 2015, presentation by the Blue Ribbon Commission, limited education and municipal use was not presented. The East Haven Board of Education (BOE) had previously rejected the use of the old high school, but the BOE should not dictate to the administration and taxpayers how the old high school will be utilized. Similarly, office space for several municipal boards, departments, agencies, social services, and civic groups should be considered a part of a multi-purpose plan.

The commission’s procedure of not allowing the public to speak or question the commission at all meetings thus far concerning the use of the old high school and its failure to notify residents affected by the school’s future use was an error in judgment. The final decision concerning the use of 200 Tyler Street should be with the voters, especially the residents who live in close proximity to the property.

Louis Anastasio, Jr.

East Haven