Aquinas Building Needs the Right Use
This week the city announced the purchase of former high School St. Thomas Aquinas for $1. City officials have stated, there is much interest from developers for demolition the school and making it condominiums and apartments.
Former graduates of the high school have mixed feelings.
It is difficult to see a school, especially one you attended, torn down. Memories, both good and bad, are tied to the building.
Before selling the property, the city should study all possibilities involved in using the building for school needs.
HALS School was formerly St. Francis of Assisi Middle School. It is now being used by the city rather than being wasted. Granted, it is in much better condition than the old Kelsey Street building, but former students appreciate knowing the classrooms are being used properly.
New Britain High School is looking at extending its Health Academy. Why not look at the Aquinas building for that? Some of the building may need to be torn down, but some may be still usable and could save the city a lot of money. It is great to know people out there want to do something with the property. If a school is not possible, housing is a good thing. People in that neighborhood should not be stuck with a vandalized eyesore. That does no one any good.
If the city chooses not use the property, it should sell it. An auction should not take place. The city should sell it to the owner with the best plan for the property. Perhaps, that may take a little time, but people can apply to purchase the property. The problem in an auction is that some firm could buy the property that plans to do nothing with it (as has occurred in the past) or put in low-income housing. Doesnt New Britain have enough low-income housing? It could even become something worse. Once the property is sold anything is possible.
If the city is trying to improve, it needs housing for middle class and students. Senior housing is always another option. Of course, office buildings or light retail space are always welcomed, but in this economy, not a likely scenario.
Right now the city is trying to improve downtown by building a police station and having housing that will draw people to it. Those are wise moves.
Another wise move would be to control the use of the property on Kelsey Street. Dont sell it to the highest bidder. Sell it to the right bidder. Every step the city and council makes with this property should be watched. Residents, whether former alumni or not, deserve to see something good happen to this former school.
If the property is left abandoned or goes to the wrong owner, it will be a disgrace to everyone involved. But, probably none will feel it more so, then former St. Thomas Aquinas Saints alumni.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE A DISTRIBUTION POINT FOR THE NEWSPAPER?
Email us at newbritaincityjournal_ yahoo.com
Subscribe to the New Britain City Journal for $29.95 for 6 months!
(NB residences only!)
We go to 2,000 homes a week BESIDES BEING AVAILABLE AT OVER 100 LOCATIONS for 5,000 New Britain circulation. On Sept. 24, we will go to 4,000 homes!
Post an engagement with photo for $25 thru Dec. on our new Social Happenings page the 4th Friday of the month!
WHY ADVERTISE WITH US?
When you advertise with the New Britain City Journal, your ad stays on news stands for one week. Daily newspaper ads are on stands for only one day.
Businesses can advertise in our classifieds for 10 weeks for only $100!