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All the above is vividly on display with the illogical fear of Treasure Coast Classical Academy’s (TCCA) temporary home on 34th Street in Palm City. Ms. Defenthaler’s resolution regarding that location came back after a few changes. Once again, it appeared that the sky was falling and that terrible, terrible things could happen.
We live in Florida where every year we can have a devastating hurricane that could kill thousands. Our roads are completely inadequate for evacuation. Many of our homes could not withstand a major hurricane’s direct hit. There would be massive property losses. Yet, 850 people a day move to the Sunshine State.
TCCA temporarily being housed on what was once a private school that is on the same road as Palm City Elementary (PCE) is creating what has been described as something akin to the apocalypse. PCE Principal Robyn Monte even brought up the spectrum of dead children because of delays in first responders getting to the schools. Both the Sheriff and Fire/Rescue have signed off on the TCCA plan.
Will there be more traffic…absolutely! But this is temporary and, according to the TCCA plans, they should move to their permanent location over the Christmas break. Even if the new TCCA building is not ready until spring which is probable, it is not the end of Martin County as we know it.
Defenthaler stated that this resolution is to document the Board’s concerns in case something happens. Anderson was quite correct to assert that these concerns are already part of the record. Anderson did add that the County should have changed the zoning on the private school site when it originally closed. That would be very hard since I can see a “Bert Harris” claim being made to restrict that facility’s existing property rights.
DiTerlizzi had it right when he said the County does not do things precipitously. If the various departments that looked at the plans signed off, then the codes were complied with. Powers thought the resolution was more opinion than fact.
Roberts had several changes to make the resolution more concise and cogent. Ms Defenthaler accepted the changes. Roberts passed the gavel and seconded the motion. It passed 3-2 with Powers and DiTerlizzi voting no. What happens to the resolution now? What does it mean? The vote reflects the differences in the Board’s ideologies.
The staff and parents from TCCA didn’t even bother to attend the meeting. I was later told that they considered this meaningless. I tend to agree. This is one more reason why the school choice movement will grow, and Tallahassee will continue to tighten control on local school boards and bureaucracies.
The final resolution can be found at: