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The Decision Gets Complicated

The sentiments expressed in the April 11 Academy hearing were overwhelmingly in favor of not commercializing the property, but from there, the decision gets complicated. This letter hopes to clarify the decision order and criteria.

Some want the building retained because of its sentimental and historic value. Its use to them is almost secondary. Others want to retain the building because of its potential as a community center or some other civic purpose, and a third group wants to level the building and plant grass. But almost everyone agreed that the green, Historic District, and ball fields are an invaluable treasure and should not be commercialized.

So we need to first decide on whether to keep or sell the property. If we keep the property, we need to decide how best to use it and, based on that decision, whether to modify the current building or erect a new purpose designed one. A purpose-built structure is almost always better than modifying an existing building, and considering the problems with the current building, the cost may be similar. The preservationists may feel that the historic and sentimental value of modifying the current building are worth the cost.

Either option will be expensive. So a third option of razing the building and planting grass should also be priced and considered.

David A. Rackey

Madison