School Expansion Spurs Opposition

The decision by the Long Beach Unified School District Board of Trustees to expand Wilson High School onto existing residential property, for recreation facilities, is yet another example of not only poor planning by school officials but is also an example of how very little importance is given to the needs of the surrounding community (Times, Feb. 23).

The “necessity” of constructing a soccer field at the expense of homes and small businesses could have been avoided if alternative plans would have been considered prior to announcing the expansion. Creative solutions were found but, due to deadlines, these ideas could not be adopted. One would think that a proposal that forces people from homes and spends approximately $14 million of state funds would be better researched. After all, the emotional and financial tolls are quite high.

Constructing a soccer field on this additional four-acre parcel will not solve the problems of overcrowding at Wilson High. Nor will the land grab create classroom space. The land available at Wilson will climb from 24 acres to 28--far short of the state school acreage requirement of 40 acres.

While voting “on the side of education,” the school board members have virtually ignored the needs of the surrounding community. Destroying the neighborhood appears to be the only answer that the board members really wanted to consider. If they would have been willing to work with the residents to create a “win-win” situation, this issue could have been solved without throwing people out of their homes.

As the school district does not have to follow the recommendations of the Long Beach General Plan on land use, let us hope that this ordeal regarding Wilson High has made the board members more sensitive to the needs of the communities that support their schools. After all, which neighborhood is next?

MARIA BARNETT

L.B. Neighborhood Coalition