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February 2024 - A Message from Board President Lynn Kohler

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Greetings, Bulldog Community:

I’d like to thank those community members who joined us at the Athletic Fields Project presentation on Thursday, February 15th, at the Township Building. We were pleased to see approximately 80 residents in attendance, demonstrating your interest in this initiative and providing valuable feedback, whether supportive or critical. Your questions, whether voiced during the meeting or submitted via card or online, will be addressed in the coming days on our website under the Athletic Project page in the Frequently Asked Questions section.

Here are some key takeaways from the meeting:

General Concerns:

  • Some attendees expressed surprise at hearing about the project for the first time.
  • Concerns were raised about residents who do not use computers, email, or social media.
  • Suggestions included a slower pace for implementation, phased projects, or focusing on fixing existing issues.

Trimmer / Ballfields Project:

  • Concerns were raised regarding storm water management on Brenda Road and Potomac Avenue.
  • Potential noise and lighting issues after 9:00 p.m. on Brenda Road were mentioned.
  • Concerns included baseballs landing in the Brenda Road parking lot, spectator trash, and street parking during games.
  • The loss of green space (softball field) utilized by neighbors for recreation was highlighted.
  • Traffic safety on Brenda Road was mentioned as a concern.

High School/Middle School Project:

  • Questions were raised about the necessity of an eight-lane track.
  • Safety considerations regarding turf versus grass fields were discussed.
  • A suggestion was made to include a swimming pool in the project.

My Thoughts and Next Steps

  • Our athletic facilities require renovation to meet safety and accessibility standards for our student-athletes and community.
  • While recognizing the voiced concerns, I found no unifying theme of opposition to the project's need, goals, or scope.
  • As the President of the West York Board of Directors, I don't see a reason we should delay the current project and will advise the West York School Board to vote on the totality of the Athletic Fields Project at the Board Meeting on March 19th.
    • An affirmative vote by the Board on the 19th will send the project to the Township for zoning approval.  
    • This would allow the Board to use the Work Session Meeting on March 12th to deliberate on the project openly, and
    • Allow the community to attend and provide public comment.
  • I am asking members of the Board to reach out to Dr. Davies and me if you require any additional information to support your decision.  
  • I encourage community members to attend these meetings to stay informed and share their thoughts and concerns.
  • Both meetings noted above are open to the public and have been advertised in advance in local newspapers and on our website, newsletters, social media platforms, and on the marquee at the High School campus. Meetings can be viewed live on our YouTube Channel or via Zoom (registration required) for those unable to attend in person. 

Sincerely,

Lynn Kohler, President

West York Area School District Board of Directors