Letter to the Editor: Consider the Creamery/Co-op property for a new elementary school

(Map courtesy of Beacon software)

(The following Letter to the Editor has been submitted by Dale Johnson of Decorah):

"I have read with interest articles about the new elementary school location. It appears it will impact the Park Rec department greatly. I just wanted to  submit my suggestion. If it is considered so be it. At least I will never regret speaking up.
 
I think the new school should be down in the area from the old co-op through the old creamery. That area is in a long plus block that spans from Water Street to South Avenue.  You would not have to relocate the tennis courts. You would not have to move the ball diamond.  It is only six blocks from the high school. People can still walk six blocks.  Traffic would be moved away from a congested area by the post office.

It appears the East Water street area will be scheduled for demolition in the future.  Bus traffic could load off the South Avenue side, away from Water Street.  When John Cline is gone there will be an attractive green space. I think Day Spring was in that area, a historic site.

If you have time, please walk the perimeter of this large area. I feel it is as large of area as the one proposed by the Post Office. Just the area the co-op had could handle semi traffic easily, so did the creamery from both sides . Add to those spaces the area between (old buildings) and it should be large enough. I think the area is close to six acres. (Editor's note: According to Beacon, the property is around 5 acres)
 
It should save the Park Rec Department  (Decorah) a lot of extra work and funds, something that the city can always use."