Daily Kennebec journal., 1918-05-11
Go to tho School Meeting.

tisn a question OF importance tc
every citizen Of .tususta. II is a
question that has been discussed
here and there along the business
street ana in the homes for some
time the purcha.c OF the o-callcd
Capital i'ark property for school
purpose. Vet mapy seem 10 have
heard SO little about 1t as not tu
know whether they favor or are OPP
posed to the proposition. We hope
that al who can. viii bc present at
the school meeting. II is not only a
privilege but "A duty. Every citizen
should he Interested in school affairs
and should make his presence felt in
such public meetings. Politics
should have no part or place in school
considerations.
The proposal 10 acquire the Capital
Park property at this time arises not
rom urgent necessity. but because Of
opportunity as We understand it
opportunity - gain possession at
very r,asoauolc bGurc and easy
terms, . prop,,ty that is bound to
increase tremendously in value in
the next lew years. and in section
Of tho city where VIC may reason
ably expect the natural growth to
lat -
For the benefit OF those who are
not familiar with the facts, and TO
forestall possible Observation-Disclosures
and nnfounded suspicious, we believe
it best to lay all the cards on the
secured these facts from the various
sources and offer them as of general
public interest and right.
Briefly stated. the property is now
owned hy W. T.. Perry of Augusta
He has secured fun lawful title and
possession. He wishes to get his
inoney out Of II for use in other
business. He can sell to those who
would purchase for Investment with
plan 10 dispose of 1t in house lots,
but he gives the city the first option
The cost 10 Mr.. Perry is his mort
gage for $4,000. with interest which
he totals at E7+e. He will turn
the entire property over to the
city for that figure on payment
of s7A2 and payment to be made
yearly OF $1,000 and interest on the
unpaid balance until all is paid.
II IS not question of unloading"
uron the city, 1t Is an opportunity to
secure that which is bound to I've
needed in tho near future. The
school population OF Augusta in
creased zoo in the year Just passed
New school buildings must he pro-
tided in the next few years. II is to
he postponed at the present because
Of abnormal conditions, but a neces.
sity is already forcing itself upon the
attention OF the School Board.
With these facts in mind, we are
ready to consider points in favor OF
or opposed TO, the plan. In our opin
ion the balance in favor is over
whelming. II We are wrong we are
open TO conviction. but we anticipate
little opposition when the facts are
known. We sincerely hope the city
VIII be wise enough to acquire this
property before 1t falls into the hands
Of spectators.
As a frst consideration. where can
desirable lot for school house and
grounds he purchased for twice or
three times that sum? Again, does
not the Capital Park location sivs
promise OF accommodation to a
greater number, with the rapid
building up OF that section?
We doubt IL any city in New Eng
land can boast such an opportunity
FOR school development covering a
long period OF years. as now open TO
Augusta. The location is ideal: it is
soon 10 he needed. il is handsome
financial induCement we believe IL
will he lost II not secured now. IL is
TO be discussed at the school meeting
and all interested should be present.
Included in the property is the
lumber IN the grand stand. fences.
horse sheds. etc. conservatively esti
mated at $1,000 in value. On the cast
''de IL gravel bank appraised at
$1,000 in value for highway purposes.
These disposed OF would materially
reduce the cost TO the city.
Seeking information as 20 the need
of additional school room capacity.
we are informed y the school board
mat Nash school has no surplus
capacity. We have in that building
kindergarten. first. second and third
grades. Lincoln school has no kin
uerGarten but has eight grades from
first TO eighth inclusive. Today
hat building is so overcrowded that
The Sd grade teacher. besides teach