From:	Susan Cousins
Sent:	Tuesday, February 23, 2010 12:05 PM
To:	Susan Cousins
Subject:	FW: We're not happy with the PLAN!


-----Original Message-----
From: Dennis Bashline <dbashline@mac.com>
Sent: Monday, December 21, 2009 6:38 PM
To: Tom Blahak <tom.blahak@bvsd.org>
Subject: We're not happy with the PLAN!


> RE:  The new Columbine Elementary ....
>
> BVSD is about to install a huge monstrosity smack-dab in the middle of 
> a neighborhood comprised of considerably tiny homes placed densely 
> together.  This unacceptable blatant exhibit of power, conveying no 
> concern for the opinions of the homeowners and residents of the 
> outlying area, is degrading and insulting.
> Plopping an elephant in the middle of a flock of sparrows is absurd by 
> any measure.  It just doesn't fit!  There has to be some type of 
> building restriction for such pompous and extravagant planning!
> Taking the green space and not replacing it is a real slap in the face 
> to those who have used the school grounds for so many decades.
> Those accustomed to the expansive beauty and the feeling of being 
> small when standing on the grounds are truly saddened and angered by 
> the up and coming plan to fill each and every nook  with something the 
> intrusive find palatable.  Extreme overkill forced upon us by the 
> architects is just another way to feed not only their wallets, but 
> their egos as well.  This would be an acceptable endeavor if we were 
> dealing with lands similar to those where the jail is located .... but 
> WE ARE NOT .... and to take what little space is left in this compact 
> area of town is an abomination.  Seven huge trees will be demolished, 
> one of which, is an ancient evergreen fit for the White House.  Taking 
> this tree is like taking a child of our home, killing it, and asking 
> that we never feel the symbolic loss.
> Shame on the groups involved in this entire poorly conceived
> atrocity.   Please don't think the people of the neighborhood don't
> understand or see what is unfolding before their eyes.  The process of 
> what is to come is an insidiously devious acquisition whereby the BVSD 
> holds a veiled stance, never fully and publicly disclosing and working 
> genuinely to appease the wishes and feelings of the neighboring 
> residents.  It only attempts to fulfill its own extremely questionable 
> agenda.
>
> There is no reason NOT to build on the existing footprint, thereby 
> preserving the trees, views and existing values of properties.  BVSD 
> is upsetting what is and has been fair and seems to find no guilt in 
> turning things over, up, and around like a King Kong who cannot be 
> contained.  Neighbors vent, grieve, and try to calm themselves with 
> what good could come of the changes .... yet their hearts are never 
> content.  Their deepest concerns have never been addressed or heard by 
> anyone who is able to listen without bias.  The neighborhood does not 
> want this version of a school and it does not believe that shiny new 
> toilets are going make the children ... 'smarter'.
>
> Thank You ... Peggy Bashline