A 79-year-old retired educator, my family and I have lived in Haddonfield for 46 years, and we are still counting. On Jan. 22, I will have the opportunity to do my part to approve or reject the purchase of the Bancroft property.
Long story short, I will vote NO on the Bancroft Bond.
My decision to vote NO is not intended to suggest in that the current Haddonfield “movers and shakers” of this project are insincere in promoting the purchase of Bancroft property.
My decision does, however, reflect my view that the purchase and its anticipated development will saddle Haddonfield property taxpayers with an unreasonable property tax burden for a purchase that is not essential.
I have read that the $12.5 million bond will be added on top of Haddonfield’s existing $41 million debt; additionally, up to $18 million in local funds will be needed out of the $28 million for repair and renovation of the five existing schools, according to a report by Garrison Architects dated June 6, 2012.
In addition to the price of $12.5 million to purchase Bancroft, more bonds will be needed in the future to build school buildings and other things on the property.
Increased maintenance costs on buildings and services will continue year in and year out.
Already, Haddonfield’s average property tax bill of $12,088.88 is nearly twice the state average of $7,776.00.
If the bond is approved, it is also unfortunate that the School Board will be the owner and developer of most of the property.
The School Board is subject to demands and pressures from interest groups to provide more services, and therefore the School Board’s role as the developer increases the chance that Haddonfield will fail to achieve a good balance between meeting the needs of the community and controlling costs.
The bond to purchase the Bancroft property should be defeated.
George A. Passes
