OneHaddonfield has been quite effective in getting the vote yes on the Bancroft referendum message out there over the past few weeks, and I commend them for their efforts.
However, I have problems with a number of the arguments that they have put forth in favor of the referendum.
First, the referendum has been presented as a vote for “Education, Preservation, Conservation, and Recreation.” That message looks positive, but all of the development features other than an athletic field, parking lots, two sets of aluminum bleachers, a grass field, and an athletics field house are listed as “potential” (i.e., might not happen and/or additional funding required). Preservation is covered by not destroying a building that is already being preserved as a historic building. Education on the other hand, the first item listed on the signs about town, is just left out of the confirmed plans for the space.
Second, while our high school has a small contiguous campus, the district has access to many acres of additional athletic field space (e.g., Radnor, Scout, Crows Woods field). It is true that most of these fields are not well maintained (will the new field be any better maintained?), but that could be changed for far less than $16 million. Furthermore, if the shortage of athletic fields is such a problem, how is it that this town’s high school teams have time and again taken the Colonial Conference All-Sports Award and produced multiple state champions?
Third, there has been much made of a parking shortage in the area of the high school. The proposed plan for the Bancroft site includes more than 200 parking spaces. A cheaper solution to the parking “problem” would be to restrict daytime parking on streets surrounding the school to teachers, staff, residents, and students who show a real need to drive instead of walk or ride a bike. The town of Haddonfield is about 3 square miles and entirely walkable. Most students don’t need to drive, and those who do can apply for a permit.
Our district has a number of aging buildings that have been maintained at less than perfect condition. Classrooms at the elementary level have become more crowded. Technology (e.g., computers, smart boards) for the classrooms has had to be supplied or supplemented by donations from the PTA. Taking on an extra $16 million in debt for fields, bleachers, parking spaces, and restricted open space will not address these issues.
As a parent and graduate of the district, I would love to have additional space available for educational and extracurricular purposes, and I think it would be beneficial to receive some of those open space taxes back for use in town. Unfortunately, I just don’t see this debt-laden purchase as the best solution for this town.
Chris Wolfe
HMHS Class of 1983
