On Mar. 10th Supt. Melin sent a memorandum to local realtors informing them that under his direction GCCS was putting up for bid 25 acres of undeveloped property CLICK HERE (owned by GCCS) at 4604 Charlestown Pike near Utica -Sellersburg Rd. and Hwy.62.
The BatBlog isn't sure what this means if anything but it does seem rather curious. This property would seem to be a perfect alternative site if not a better choice for the school bus depot that GCCS wants to currently locate on the 10th St car auction location.
Has Melin been told he already has the needed votes by the zoning board/ city council to purchase the 10th St. site ??? Allowing him to dump the Charlestown Pike property...Or is it merely a coincidence ???
As we said The BatBlog doesn't know if this recent memorandum means anything but the timing of Melin's announcement is rather curious coming on the verge of the upcoming decision that will allow or deny the purchase of the auction property.... Only time will tell......
The Memorandum wording from GCCS
TO: Area Realtors
DATE Mar.10 2016
SUBJECT: Land for Sale 25 Acres : 4604 Charlestown Pike Jeffersonville,
LAND FOR SALE -
NOTICE TO BIDDERS Be advised that the Greater Clark County School Corporation has twenty-five (25) acres of undeveloped land for sale located at 4604 Charlestown Pike, Jeffersonville, Indiana 47130. If you have buyers interested in acquiring land near Utica-Sellersburg Road and Highway 62, please keep this property in mind. I am providing you with a copy of the Notice to Bidders and the property survey. If you have questions or need additional information, please contact Sandy Lewis or me at the phone number listed above.
Andrew T. Melin, Ph.D.
Superintendent
I can't think there is any chance of this rezoning being passed, too many people against it.
ReplyDeleteHow would you know how many people are against it? Has their been some kind of public vote, or are you basing your "facts" on the few people that post on forums and blogs? Just curious. I think the reason they wanted to use the Auto Auction site is because it is basically ready to go. The other property would take a lot of renovation to get it ready. JMO
ReplyDeleteHow does the school system have the money to buy this property?? They apparently plan to go into debt -- general obligation bonds -- to do so. After being soundly defeated on their request for $109 million recently, why wouldn't they use any funds they have available to fix the problems they addressed in the referendum? Not once did Melin ever say they needed a new bus compound. The school buildings should come first -- the bus compound can wait.
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ReplyDeleteGiven the timing and the sketchy marketing announcement by GCCS, this seems to be an attempt to garner an inquiry or two so that GCCS can state that there is market interest in the property that the school system already owns. A market interest in their currently owned property could possibly help promote public acceptance for the purchase of the Jeffersonville 10th Street property to turn it into a bus depot and maintenance facility.
Personal opinion - another lame attempt. If you want to buy public opinion, you're going to have to hire more talented public relations professionals or step up your game. What part of the failed referendum did you not understand? It is disconcerting that you are the supposed education professionals for Clark County.
It may just be coincidence on this announcement but it does seem curious. IMO the currently owned property would be a perfect place for the bus facility. Twenty five acres leaves lots of room for expansion and the property could be developed at a smaller cost than the 10th St. site.
ReplyDeleteIn the public opinion debate, certainly not scientific but most of the people I have talked to don't think it's a good idea for the 10th St. site, but when it comes down to it, it only matters what the nine people on the zoning board thinks... and heaven knows how they will vote...
No it wouldn't... check out the link at Mar.8 edition of The BatBlog. There is an article where all the costs are broken down. Since GCCS already owns this property millions could be actually be saved by building on the existing land. Saving tax dollars for all of us...and money that could be spent repairing schools that GCCS readily admits are in disrepair...
ReplyDeleteThere is probably a lot of behind the scenes political grappling going on by Dr. Melin to secure this vote. The council in the past has done quite a bit of political posturing themselves against the mayor. It will be interesting just how this vote goes down, it might come down to politics rather than what's best for the city of Jeff and local residents.
ReplyDeleteAgreed Anon. it will be interesting ...I have a little more faith in this council to do the right thing instead of playing politics...
ReplyDeleteSellers, Smith and Julius who were always against Moore are gone...Ed "Moe" Z is still there though as well as Gill and Samuels who are mostly against the mayor... but Owen is usually in MM's corner.
It's too early to tell yet on the new members but led by Dustin White they appear inclined to do the right thing and vote for what's best for the city rather than politics...but time will tell.....
If I understand correctly, the zoning can not stop a project if all issues are compliant. Even if rejected at the local level it can and will be overturned at the appeal. Just a thought.
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ReplyDeleteIF Melin were smart (and I am beginning to have my doubts about that), he would not do this knowing how much the community is against it. Sometimes in life you have to pick your battles and this is not a battle that he should engage in. He has prime land in another good location which he could use. He also could spend a million or less and totally update the current facility. If he is truly "a good steward" of our taxpayer dollars as he says, he needs to stop this immediately. Did he miss the vote last November when he LOST the referendum by a whopping margin?? The people are tired of him spending money like it is water. You would think a superintendent would be a little smarter than he seems to be. But he comes off as an arrogant, cocky "know-it-all" who believes it's "my way or the highway".
Just because has PhD behind his name doesn't make him. Use any money we have to FIX THE SCHOOLS --- no need for radio stations, bus compounds, football fields, etc. Total waste of taxpayer dollars.
I'm not on the school board and may be wrong, but I doubt that money used for the bus depot could be used to fix the schools. It'd be great if they could, but they probably have money reserved in a budget specifically for transportation issues making it unavailable for school repairs.
ReplyDeleteThe money is not reserved for transportation. The school system plans to borrow the money to purchase the auto auction --- i.e. issue two general obligation bonds.
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