Ironically, the very structures that serve as the heart of the Historic District are slated to be wiped off the face of the earth by demolition and bulldozers. The following excerpt from Preserving Pennsylvania, The Annual Listing of the Commonwealth's Most Endangered Historic Properties, summarizes the situation. In May 1999, the New Castle Area School District presented the results of a feasibility study on the adequacy of district school buildings in providing quality education. The school district has announced the intention to adopt the second option. Plans for the new school will not only call for demolition of the historic high school, but also demolition of 16 homes, all contributing buildings in the Historic District surrounding the school.
Extensive demolition is seemed necessary to accommodate a sprawling building and parking lots.
The feasibility study shows that the existing school can be rehabilitated to meet program needs for less cost without demolition of 16 homes. Concerned local citizens are advocating that the school board reconsider its plan, utilize the existing school, and preserve the historic character of the residential neighboorhood. This small group has held their finger in the dike, despite fierce attacks from those who support demolition. The Society's position on this issue is central to its mission, mainly to preserve the history of Lawrence County and to educate the community on the importance of its history . Rather than accept the destruction of their history, some communities have united and forced their local government to embrace restoration and rehabilitation so that their children and grandchildren may live to enjoy and learn from their community's history.