In a recent government meeting, community concerns regarding the construction of a new high school were brought to the forefront, highlighting significant opposition from local residents. The meeting focused on a request for a special permit and a variance to allow for a reduced setback for the school’s construction.

Carrie Lewis, a resident of Edgewood Drive, voiced her and her neighbors' apprehensions about the potential negative impacts of the new high school project on their neighborhood. Key issues raised included increased traffic, safety concerns, and the potential for noise and light pollution from the school’s parking lot, which sits at a higher elevation than their properties. Lewis emphasized the need for better communication between the neighborhood and the project stakeholders, including Envision Architecture, stating that residents have struggled to receive clear answers to their questions.

Residents expressed fears that the new school would exacerbate existing problems, such as traffic congestion and safety hazards, particularly during school events. Lewis pointed out that the proposed road would be alarmingly close to their backyards, raising concerns about noise levels exceeding city ordinances. Additionally, she highlighted worries about flooding, citing a history of water management issues in the area.

The community is seeking a meeting with Envision Architecture to discuss these concerns in detail, as they feel their voices have not been adequately heard in the planning process. Lewis concluded by stating that the neighborhood is not opposed to the school itself but desires to collaborate on solutions that would mitigate the project's impact on their lives.

The meeting underscored the importance of community engagement in local development projects, as residents strive for a balance between progress and preserving the quality of life in their neighborhood.