JAMESTOWN, PA. Group wants smaller project

Some district taxpayers want the new gym to be dropped from the project.
By HAROLD GWIN
VINDICATOR SHARON BUREAU
JAMESTOWN, Pa. -- Members of the Jamestown Area Concerned Taxpayers felt a sense of frustration after a public hearing Thursday on a proposed $7.5 million expansion and renovation at Jamestown High School.
David McClelland, a member of the group, said most people at the hearing opposed the scope of the project but believe the school board isn't listening to them, despite the fact that the committee has petitions bearing 1,101 signatures of district residents opposed to the full project.
They don't want to scrap the whole project, but they do want the board to eliminate adding a gymnasium to the building, McClelland said.
Officials' contention
School officials have said the project, which would also include some classroom renovations, three new science labs, building security improvements, an expanded library and a new cafeteria and kitchen, is needed.
The gym, in particular, is too small and below state recommendations for an athletic facility.
It also serves as the high school's auditorium and practice room, so scheduling events is difficult, officials have said.
McClelland said the taxpayer group wants the board to drop the gym portion of the work, a move that would cut $2.5 million from the project.
McClelland said only one board member, Deborah Miller, spoke out against the gym portion of the work at the hearing. The other board members made no comment, he said.
Tax increases
The taxpayers group is concerned about the tax increases that will be necessary to pay for the project.
School officials have said that taxpayers are facing increases of 1.25 mills per year for six years to pay for it, and that amounts to about $103 more per year for the average residential taxpayer.
The board is expected to make a final decision in February.