Letter to the editor: Build the new Quaker Valley High School at 625 Beaver St.

I have attended most of the Leet Zoning Board hearings concerning the placement of a new high school. During these meetings, it has become abundantly clear that a new school should not be built on the hill.

Many Leetsdale residents who live below the proposed site have expressed deep concerns about possible landslides. One stated that a landslide insurance company told him that they would not issue him a policy due to the risk level. If a landslide occurs during construction, it could damage property below or cause loss of life. That loss would be devastating to our community. In addition, I imagine Quaker Valley School District, the contractors and Leet Township would be sued, which would be financially detrimental to taxpayers.

According to testimony by QVSD’s own experts, they were unable to guarantee that construction would not cause a landslide impacting the residents below.

I can’t understand why QV Strong and those who support it have chosen to double down. This isn’t about a better school for our children. This feels more about QVSD and QV Strong winning.

How is it more environmentally sustainable to build a new school on an undeveloped site? How can you flippantly brush off the valid concerns of Leetsdale residents as inconsequential when their safety and security is threatened by potential landslides during construction? Would you fight so hard to relocate the high school if it already sat in 15143?

Regardless of the Leet hearing outcome, appeals can be expected. The current site plan doesn’t include a stadium, which requires maintenance of two sites plus additional approvals and costs to build one. I desperately want a new school for my children, but not at the expense of people who have their homes and lives at risk from a potential landslide. I also do not want to destroy acres of trees and wildlife when, with a little imagination and innovation, we can have an awesome new structure on Beaver Street. If you truly want a new high school built faster in a cost-effective and environmentally sound manner, then it is time to build at 625 Beaver St.

Stephanie Butler

Edgeworth