Historical Society President Supports CREC Magnet School Proposal

On Oct. 18, the Planning and Zoning Commission will discuss Capitol Region Education Council special exception and site plan applications to build a on the Avon Cider Mill propery on Waterville Road.

The meeting, scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at the Avon Senior Center, will include a public hearing for people to voice their perspectives on the application.

Avon Historical Society President Terri Wilson gave Avon Patch permission to run the following letter that she recently wrote to commission members in support of expanding the Reggio Magnet School of the Arts and moving it from its current Fisher Drive location to 59 Waterville Rd.

Dear Chairman Starr and Commission Members,

As a taxpayer for over 20 years in the town of Avon, I whole heartedly support the proposal to build a permanent site for the Reggio Magnet School on Waterville Road. As a member of the Avon Historical Society and active in this community, I firmly support this idea as it will add value to this town which has a rich local history.

I have been reading with interest the comments and concerns raised by many on the Commission and within the town cautioning this move.  What project wouldn’t bring added traffic to Waterville? Traffic turn lanes and a traffic light have been promised by the School.  Public schools are built near state roads everywhere.  Expressed concerns that the school will do some harm to our community are offensive and unfounded – the school has been here over three years in rental space-it’s offered our community educational choice, not trouble. The children of Reggio are 3 years old to 10 years old – what threat do they pose?

The history of this town is a traditional one for our region.  It started out as a farming community and after the Farmington Canal and railroad came to town prosperity came in and by the end of WWII we were booming.  Strong belief in the importance of education as a necessary ingredient of true progress has been at the heart of our success.  The introduction of a magnet school is consistent with our historical tradition and beliefs.  It is true to form for a community that believes that every individual deserves a chance to make a better life for him or herself.  It stands to reason that we would want nothing more for our children then to have the opportunity at a stellar education whether it’s public or private, district or magnet.

It is my strong belief that the diversity of the CREC magnet school system is one of its attributes.  Young students, in this case ages 3 to 10 years old, are exposed to others from distinct backgrounds and economic levels giving them a much broader view of life.  I would hazard to guess that every member of this Commission has traveled outside of Connecticut or abroad.  And I would guess that each of you can recall it as a learning experience that made you appreciate the life you have here.  Why not expose our students to this kind of experience through the magnet school?  It’s an educational opportunity that we cannot afford to miss.

Through the public hearings on this issue you have been talking about taxes, operational costs, traffic and transportation concerns, road conditions and the like.  What I hope you will consider is that you have a responsibility as an official for the town of Avon to think about the future and what is desirable for all who live, work or visit here.  Again I remind you to think about the history of this town and how your predecessors took risks to make it what it is today and how much we appreciate that!  I encourage you to do the same.

I urge you to vote in favor of this proposal to build a permanent site for the Reggio Magnet School on the Waterville Road property. I support CREC on any decisions as to the potential use of the site and acquainting the students with the rich history of our community.

–Terri Wilson, Avon Historical Society president and Avon resident