Romeo school board approves sale of 297 Prospect despite strong public pleas to preserve greenspace

The Romeo Community Schools Board of Education voted 7-0 on May 12 to approve Business Services item #51 concerning 297 Prospect, a property long used by the district that community members urged the board to preserve as greenspace.

President Rachel Eichhorst opened the discussion by reading a statement summarizing the timeline for the Prospect Street property going back to September 2022; Katherine Rice moved the motion to approve the item and Bowman supported it. The roll call vote on the motion was 7 Ayes, 0 Nays.

The decision followed more than a dozen public comments from parents, students and GSOPS (Green Space of Prospect Street) supporters. Sarah Kasper, a parent, asked the board to "rethink and listen to the community" and said she wanted "what’s right for our kids and future." Student Emily Kubichar said the green space is "a safe place for kids to go to learn about their environment" and urged the board to "put the needs of the children first." GSOPS volunteers and leaders, including Kim Voss and Donna Folland, presented petition and survey results they said show community support—Voss said GSOPS gathered a petition with "over 700 signatures" and that a promised district survey never occurred.

Board members spoke to competing responsibilities. Ms. Eichhorst said she has "felt a lot of the same emotions" raised by speakers but stressed the board's responsibility to consider the district's financial needs. Board member Katherine Rice noted that the approximately $500,000 in additional property tax revenue the district could receive would support the district's roughly 5,600 students. Other board members reiterated that the decision was difficult and that they had reviewed emails and meeting materials before voting.

Opponents warned of long-term costs and loss of community character. Resident Steve Mellen, who supported the board's decision, estimated maintenance and insurance for a community greenspace could run "$20,000 - $30,000 a year," a cost he said would be difficult to guarantee over decades. Franco Folino and other speakers described the choice as a failure to protect the children and the village's uniqueness and urged the board to pause and meet with GSOPS.

The board approved other routine personnel and representation items during the meeting. The special session ended at 6:17 p.m.

The approval of item #51 is final for this meeting; the transcript does not specify contract details or the buyer selected in the sale motion, and those specifics were not stated at the meeting.