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Westfield Residents Urge Return of Neighborhood School, Question Board of Education Plans and Taxes
Summary
During open public comment June 6, residents raised concerns about the disposal of Columbus School, alleged neighborhood impacts, and potential school construction costs and tax increases; the mayor and council advised commenters to attend Board of Education meetings since the council has limited jurisdiction.
Several Westfield residents used the June 6 public comment period to criticize the disposal of Columbus School, question districting decisions and express concern about property values and taxes.
Kevin Monroe, a Windsor Avenue resident, said he attended a presentation about Columbus School and objected to how the property was disposed of. "Now they need a $188,000,000 for 2 new elementary schools and to extend a high school. Our taxes is gonna go like this," Monroe said, arguing that neighborhood children were split between different schools and asking when children in his neighborhood would attend the same school again.
John Turlington, also of Windsor Avenue, said residents had to fight to keep a playground when Columbus School was removed and described the situation as "almost taxation without representation" for retirees who see tax increases going to the school district. "As a retiree, I don't see why that portion can't be cut in some respects just to accommodate seniors so that they can stay in their homes," Turlington said.
Mayor Shelley Grindle responded during the meeting that the town council does not have jurisdiction over Board of Education decisions and recommended that speakers attend Board of Education meetings to raise their concerns, telling Monroe, "I would highly recommend that."
The remarks were made during the council’s public comment period; no council action was taken on the issues raised in the transcript. The meeting record shows the council advised residents on available avenues for redress, including attending board meetings and discussing senior tax-credit programs with municipal staff after the meeting.
