The city infrastructure of utilities, the upgrade of 20th Street, the prospect of the railroad overpass on 23rd Street and the proximity to a fire station all contributed to the value of this site. It has been indicated by some that it is a long way from where people live. It is true that it is not as close to the center of town as the Eugene Field site, but it appears to be where people are moving and where homes are being added. Consider its proximity to Countryside, the new home construction on Free King and the potential for growth in northeast Pittsburg and the site again seems appropriate. That is also the opinion expressed in the city's latest projection for growth in the next few years and is backed up by the city's commitment to new streets, water, sewer, etc. in that area.
New schools tend to be built on the edge of town and then growth moves that way.
The evidence is there that the community grows where schools are. I hesitate to speculate on property values, but that is the negotiated price. The price of any piece of property is where the seller and buyer agree. The option to buy is contingent on passage of the bond issue and approval of the site by the district, which includes environmental studies. The Eugene Field location was considered seriously by the Facilities Study Committee and the USD 250 Board.