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Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Email Story to a Friend November 27, 2005 Jacksonville given chance to buy school Cascade Christian asking price delivered By SANNE SPECHT Mail Tribune JACKSONVILLE — After years of rumor and months of meetings, representatives of Cascade Christian High School confirmed they presented the city with an asking price for their seven-acre property this week. "There is a number on the table" said Superintendent Ray Johnson, after declining to name the price. "We've asked them to give us an answer by Dec. 7." Johnson said the asking price was based on research of recent land sales within the Rogue Valley. The school is selling in preparation for moving to a new site in Medford near the airport. The early December deadline gives the city only two weeks to decide whether to buy the school site located in the geographical, cultural and historic heart of Jacksonville. Some city officials and residents say purchasing the multi-tax lot property within the city limits — which has been zoned special-protection — would be the culmination of a long-held dream. Advertisement Prior to the city's receipt of an asking price, Councilwoman Donna Schatz urged the city to carefully consider the potential for the property at the Nov. 15 council meeting. Schatz warned the council not to underestimate the memory of residents still upset that the city let the property get away before it was purchased by Cascade Christian in 1994, she said. The site is the former home of Jacksonville Elementary School. Former Mayor Clara Wendt agreed with Schatz. Wendt said she understood several council members feel purchasing the property would be "a foolish thing to do." But Wendt says the property could become the city's most valuable asset. "There are many people who have envisioned this as a city center," said Wendt. "I assure you if you need a stack of petitions to get it done, that can be done." Jacksonville Woodlands Association Executive Director Larry Smith has a list of 60 reasons why the city should purchase the property. In his list, Smith cites opportunities to consolidate city services, develop a small convention center, protect riparian habitat along Daisy Creek and partner with other organizations such as the YMCA. Smith says the purchase would also block private developers who want to build more townhouses and "McMansions," Smith said. "The citizens of Jacksonville want public ownership of the old school," said Smith. Jacksonville business owner and resident, Mary Kell, urged the city to purchase the property for a community center, city hall and emergency services center. "I love that piece of property," said Kell. "Find somebody who writes grants." Others see the 30,000 square-feet of aging structures and probable purchase costs as logistical and financial disasters in the making. Purchasing the land and renovating the buildings could take "millions to lots of millions," said Mayor Jim Lewis. "There are no grants for millions," said Lewis. Councilman Dick Ames said he understands people's sentiment and enthusiasm. But the city is lacking a plan — or the financial means to make it happen, he said. "I can't get my arms around it," said Ames, at the council meeting. Johnson said on Tuesday the city had been a good neighbor. That is why school officials are offering the city an opportunity to purchase the property, Johnson said. "We have had other offers," said Johnson. "But we've chosen to work with the city first." Reach reporter Sanne Specht at 776-4497 or e-mail Jacksonville given chance to buy school ">[email protected] . Mail Tribune Home | Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life | Opinion AP News | Archives | Site Map | Community | Classified Copyright © 1997-2005 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback www.bingo.com Home Security Systems Trunks, Footlocker dvd-r Distance Education Computer Security Ztech Media Hosting Sports Equipment Online Casino Student Loans Online Pharmacy tcg student loan consolidation Online Casino Reviews Myspace Home Equity Loans Windermere Van Vleet Deep Muscle Stimulator Discount Hotel Reservations Southern Oregon Loans Online Casino News Casino Gambling Sites Online Bingo Entertainment Guide Salvia Divinorum Advertisement s