And this location better???

To the editor,

Will Saco Citizens see “full” accountability for tax dollars spent on the Industrial Park location for the school which slipped through the School Boards hands?

The new site being purposed are several parcels on Route 1 known as the Clair parcels. What is the potential of the various lots containing “brownfield?” DEP defines “brownfield” as, “Abandoned, idled, or under used industrial and commercial facilities/sites where expansion or redevelopment is complicated by real or perceived environmental contamination.”

Look at the larger picture of this potential school site, containing: Current and former car dealerships performing automotive repairs, leaking oil or gas into the soil; a veterinary business that once cremated animals; and illegal dumping of toxic waste.

First thing is to make sure the property meets DEP standards to properly build a school.

Ask yourself “do you really want the school to be off Route 1? A location surrounded by many commercial businesses and busier during commuter hours.” Speak up and ask for more appropriate locations.

Even better, let us use the property owned by the City of Saco — the Saco Middle School land where a school has stood for over 40 years. A new school there would make it easier for many.

PS: This writer did check with the Maine DOE on Aug. 11, the funding on that date for the school was still available. Saco citizens should be pleased that it has not been jeopardized. Imagine the cost to our community, those on fixed incomes, if the funds were withdrawn?

Barbara Colman
Saco