Residents urge board to preserve Midway Manor park as district seeks modular classrooms for Sonia Sotomayor expansion

Dozens of Midway Manor residents and students urged the Allentown School District board on Feb. 26 to protect the neighborhood’s snack shed and soccer fields even as administrators sought approval to expand the Sonia Sotomayor Dual Language Immersion Academy.

Deputy Superintendent Jen Ramos presented a phased plan and asked the board to approve the purchase of 10 modular classrooms at a cost not to exceed $1,600,000 so the school can add grades and house new sections this summer. "We are asking the Board's approval this evening, to purchase the modular classrooms at a cost not to exceed $1,600,000," Ramos said.

Many public commenters said they support the dual-language program but pleaded for alternatives that would not remove community space. "This should not be a choice between education and recreation," said Amelia Batres, a Midway Manor resident, urging the district to explore alternate sites, shared-use plans, or phased development that preserves the park and its programs.

Speakers described the snack shed as a volunteer-run concession stand that funds youth programs and neighborhood events, and noted it recently received a $50,000 state renovation grant. "The snack shed is the heart of our community," said Alice Romberger, vice president of the Midway Manor Community Association, explaining volunteers maintain the facility and it passes health inspections.

Administrators and staff said the initial site sketches were revised to address fire-safety and circulation concerns and that the revised modular layout would not require demolition of the concession building. "The revised sketch...does not impact the concession building," said the project engineer reported to the board.

Interim Chief Financial Officer Rich Fazio told the board he found no written lease or facilities-use agreement in district records covering the snack shed’s operation and said the district’s facilities-use policy requires outside groups to register and provide insurance. The district solicitor said, under state law, the district owns the property and improvements on district land absent a written agreement.

Board members repeatedly stressed process and communication. Board President (for the record) said she had received many emails and emphasized that "no decision has been made yet regarding any of this," and urged a community conversation. After questions and debate, a motion was made to move the purchase request to the regular board meeting later that evening so the full board could consider it; the motion carried by voice vote.

What’s next: the purchase authorization was advanced to the regular board meeting for a final vote and any formal approvals. District staff said they would continue community outreach and that the phase-1 modular placement does not require removal of the concession stand.