As Flower mentioned here [1] recently, there is ongoing controversy regarding the Maryville High expansion plans. Everyone seems to agree that additional capacity is needed. Not everyone agrees on how to accomplish that.
Architects and planners hired by the City have developed five alternate proposals, at least two of which require taking of nearby property by eminent domain. The neighborhood around the existing school consists of period and craftsman style homes of historical significance to downtown Maryville and its traditions.
One of the proposals, "option E", would take out at least one city block and possibly part or all of another. This is the plan that the City's consultants seem to be pushing.
It would be a shame to further damage the character of this neighborhood. In our opinion, one of the alternatives for a new, second high school would better meet Maryville's needs going forward and preserve what's left of the neighborhoods around the existing school. What do you think?
You can read more about the evolution of the expansion plan here [2], including links to news articles and a presentation on the five proposals [3] made to City Council and the School Board in June.
This issue will be decided soon, possibly in September, so the City needs citizen input to make an informed decision that protects the interests of all who will be affected. City Council contact info is here [4], School Board contact info is here [5].
To give you an idea of the existing character of the neighborhood and what is at risk, attached are photos of some of the endangered homes and others from around the affected neighborhood . Click "read more" to view them...
This house would apparently go away with one plan, along with the rest of the block between Lawrence and Mountain View...
So would this one...
And this one...
And this one...
This house could be endangered by one or more plans...
And this one...
And this one...
And this one...
And possibly this one...
These homes do not appear to be directly endangered, but could all of a sudden be next to parking lots or ball fields and have lots more traffic on their street...
