Board approves land swap to allow new Beach Street School after heated public comment; vote 8-7

The Board of Mayor and Aldermen voted 8-7 to approve a partial release of deed and a change in use for Sheridan-Emmett Park to allow construction of a new Beach Street Elementary School, a move the city said will be paid from the previously authorized Priority 1 bond. The roll call produced eight affirmative votes and seven negatives after more than an hour of debate and multiple hours of public comment.

Supporters urged the board to allow the rebuild to proceed, saying the project consolidates students, replaces temporary modular classrooms and addresses deteriorating conditions at the existing school. “When you vote yes tonight, you’re saying no more to mice crawling through our classrooms. You’re saying no more to windowless classrooms,” said Julie Casano, a kindergarten teacher at Beach Street School, who spoke in support. Assistant Principal Sarah Levins said a new, consolidated facility would provide “20 first-century learning spaces” and called on aldermen to “show the city that we put education first.”

Opponents pressed the board to delay or reject the land swap citing cost uncertainty, declining enrollment and risk that state “adequacy” aid could be reduced in future years. “This project seems like a want and not a need,” said state Representative Mark McClain, who urged a no vote and said the city already faces large sewer and other capital costs. Several speakers, including Joanna Brown and Ken Tassy, questioned…