LEESBURG - About 100 Leesburg residents attended a special community meeting Monday evening and voiced their opinions about the location of the new school in town.
Warsaw Community Schools Superintendent Dr. Robert Haworth made a half-hour presentation about the new school's layout, the problems with building on the existing site and possibilities for a new building site.Then he fielded questions and listened to residents' concerns and ideas about the possibility of moving the school.
"These are your buildings," Haworth said. "I do not live in Leesburg, you do. I want your input, please ask questions."
During the discussion, Haworth learned that there is the possibility of more land being available adjacent to the current site. Haworth said he does not plan to use imminent domain to force anyone to sell their land or their homes and was not aware that the properties discussed may be available if something can be worked out with the school.
If the land could be acquired, most people in attendance at the meeting said they prefer to have the school build at the existing site. However, if that is not feasible, many said they think the school should be build on property about three blocks away from the current building on Pearl Street if that land can be purchased.
Most residents at the meeting did not care for the idea of moving the school to one of two possible locations on Armstrong Road, citing concerns about crossing the railroad tracks and traffic congestion on the road.
One resident voiced concern and said the Armstrong Road location "is a disaster waiting to happen."
Questions, suggestions and discussion from attendees of the meeting lasted about an hour, and Haworth said the discussion yielded new ideas and he was glad to see so many community members there.
"It's been a profitable night for me," Haworth said, adding that he was pleased to talk with property owners and learn they may be willing to sell property near the school.
Haworth said he would look into the new possibilities and keep the residents informed of what he learns.
