Portland, Tennessee Blog

Does anyone know when the new middle school in Portland plans to be opened?

pretty typical of mr. calls.
never responds to any hard questions, just tries to blow sunshine up our butts with his commentaries that he never seems to come to terms with, when replied to. he is however; one of the few who does respond, no matter how many months its been.

Mr Thompson did abstain from voting but several commisioners all agree he never disclosed his purpose for abstaining. He just stated it was aconflict of interest. Mr Thompson was also aware of the sinkholes and never disclsed that information prior to voting. Sounds like someone had an easy way to get rid of property at a premium price.

I have to agreee that this appears to be a poor location choice for a new school building, who did the land study for this location, is this truly the Highest and best use for this location?

Why is there not more development, or at least consideration of development along 52 toward I-65. There is a ton of vacant land along that area. Seems to me that would be a better place to consider. I think a new Grade School would be a better Idea at this point. The location of Watt Hardison is not good. Somebody is going to get hurt over there.

This brings up another issue. Maybe those of you who pick up and drop off your kids can follow this. The street that we have to use to pick up our kids used to be one way. Now because there are a couple of new homes built there, it is 2 way which means you have to wait in line on the opposite side of the street AND not block driveways until you get up to the school pick up line, Then you have to veer across the street to the pickup line. My question is this.....who thought up this hairbrain idea? Is this not opening up room for someone to get hurt. What was wrong with the way it was before? I have also noticed Portland Police sitting there just to make sure no one block' any of the driveways. Now this is a fine use of our resources. People are driving down College street at 70MPH and Fowler Ford Road at 70MPH, but they want to make sure you don't block a driveway. The school was there long before these houses were there. Bottom line is that I just believe that someone is going to get hurt with the way they are now doing this. I have also seen cars that are "jumping" the car rider line and driving up the wrong side of the street in order to get closer to the front. Of course this always seems to happen when the Police aren't there. We need to change this soon.

I wonder why a new elementary is needed, instead of a middle school, they are sending 4 elementary schools now in to one, I understand Watt Hardison in busting out at the seams.

A new middle school should be look at first..

Replies?

I wonder why a new elementary is needed, instead of a middle school, they are sending 4 elementary schools now in to one, I understand Watt Hardison in busting out at the seams.

A new middle school should be look at first..

Replies?

The proposed school is to be built on land at South Russell and McDowell St from my understanding. Have any plans been subitting for road widening. If they decide to widen the roads, a lot of house may have to be torn down due to right or way. Very poor choice of location. Hwy 52E would have been a better place.

As Tim stated:as long as he abstained from voting on it, I dont have a problem with it.

Even if he is not allow to vote wouldn't good ol' boy politics play a part?

This is a waste of money and the state needs to step in on this, I don't think the city can do anything..

I can't think of any justifiable reason to build a new school on property that is known to have sink hole problems...our children's safety should always be considered first and formost in the planning process of any community development....gw

I dont necessarily have a problem with a new school in Portland but i do have a problem with the land purchase price as well as the sink hole issue. That is ridiculous. If we are just looking for a way to waste educational funds lets try wasting it in the school.
As far as the sink holes are concerned, when i first heard the report on the news i thought it had to be incorrect. We wouldnt build a school on land known to already contain sink holes, would we? Insurance is an issue but also the safety of the children are an issue. This should be given another look. There is plenty of land for sale in this area. Why would we settle for land that is over priced and dangerous?

Just curious where exactly on South Russell the school is going to be? jc

I have not been in any discussions. It would be nice if they would bring detailed plans to the planning commission and seek citizen input.

Not only do I disagree for the same reasons that you do, but the price of $14,000 an acre for land that has already had two sinkholes!!I've got access to some great bottom land that I could get them for a mere $10,000 an acre!(haha)If they build a school there,will it be insurable?As far as for the commissioner,as long as he abstained from voting on it, I dont have a problem with it.