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Letters to the Editor

More questions than answers at referendum meeting

Susan Wattman
March 22, 2024
The referendum is being touted as funding needed for growing enrollment, but the request includes $36 million solely for a large 38,200-square-foot pool complex. The remainder of the $79 million ask is for a 4,000-square-foot bus depot and a 30,000-square-foot administrative office. I don’t believe any of the $79 million has academic value for students. Rather, the pool will be open to paid memberships and large rental events. 
 
The parcel in question is at the apex of one of the busiest corridors in the region – Route 24, Plantation Road and Cedar Grove Road, with a tiny artery of Mulberry Knoll Road. When asked why this parcel was selected, the district said it put out a request to 16 parcels and one responded. Why were only 16 parcels considered? A community member quickly offered there was a very suitable parcel available within the district that would have zero impact on traffic, but Superintendent Bob Fulton dismissed that member. Why was that parcel never considered? 
 
Community members asked about logistics and site plans. The response was there is no plan, rather they need to get the money so they can buy the land, and after that, they will make a plan. We have been asked to approve a tax increase for $79 million with no plan. 
 
There has been no traffic study done. Rather, according to current standards, the district can pay a fee instead of doing a traffic study with zero regard to the community. When concerns were raised about traffic in an area already struggling with overwhelming bottlenecks impacting the entire region, the response was curt and dismissive. Fulton told us to trust him because he knows it will be the best facility with the best design.  
 
There has been no impact study, no environmental study. This parcel is currently zoned AR-1, agricultural/residential.  
 
This will be the only pool complex like this in 100 miles, and it will be rented out to hold large pool tournaments and events. So, in addition to increased traffic for daily use of this facility (which will be open seven days a week), the region will also have to contend with virtually the entire region or State of Delaware converging on the already overloaded area to attend these massive events.  
 
The above does not include the daily traffic or environmental impacts of the centralized bus depot for 50 owned buses and additional leased buses. 
 
If this were only to approve new classrooms, salary increases for teachers or other academic needs, there would be little pushback. In fact, the district can pose a new referendum in 90 days asking us to support those things without asking to lump academics in with a grandiose pool.   
 
This will be the first time I ever vote no on a referendum.
 
Susan Wattman
Lewes

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