Knapik supports MSBA model
By HOPE E. TREMBLAY
Staff writer
WESTFIELD – State Sen. Michael Knapik spoke recently about the new elementary school and addressed some of the concerns expressed by residents.
“I think the concerns of neighbors are valued and the city and state have the responsibility to address them,” said Knapik.
Knapik said the new school, first and foremost, is needed because of inequalities in the city’s elementary schools.
“This will get rid of those inequalities and the turn of the 19th century buildings,” he said.
Knapik said both Abner Gibbs and Franklin Avenue schools are in poor condition for the population they serve, and Westfield State University is taking back Juniper Park School, which it owns.
Knapik said while some residents have said they do not think a 600-students school is necessary or right for Cross and Ashley streets, Knapik said the state simply does not build small schools anymore. He said the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) funds schools that offer a long-term fix.
‘We don’t have the luxury to build smalls schools,” Knapik said. ‘The state said this should satisfy our need for the next 50 years. A 300-pupil school doesn’t solve the problem.”
Knapik said the location is the right choice for the new school because of its central location.
“There is nothing more stabilizing for a community, particularly in a downtown setting, than to locate a school there,” he said.
Knapik said the location is good for neighborhood children who can walk to school, and he said when the Rail Trail is complete, students who live along Franklin Street can ride their bike to school via the trail.
Some neighbors are concerned about the number of cars that will line the streets to drop-off and pick-up students, especially those who live close to the 1.5 mile radius designated for walkers.
“It’s my understanding that the school department is going to do what it has to do to for safety,” said Knapik. “I don’t think it’s unreasonable to expect a bus or two will be made available to the outer reaches of the district.”
Knapik added that school closes at 3 p.m. and is out of session two months every summer and several weeks of the school year,
“And the school department will work with the police to make sure traffic flows,” Knapik said, adding that “Many, many meetings were held and parking and safety will be at the foremost.”
Knapik said the school will help improve the neighborhood.
“The city’s going to do what has to be done to beef up the sidewalks and lighting, so there will be an investment,” said Knapik. “I view a downtown school as something that will help strengthen Westfield.”
Knapik said Westfield’s students and teachers deserve the best of 21st century technology and education, something the new school will afford them.
Knapik said there is a lot of positive, forward motion in Westfield.
‘There is such an excitement about downtown, and a school will add to that,” said Knapik.
Hope E. Tremblay can be reached at [email protected]
