June 29, 2009
 
ELMIRA---A pre-kindergarten center at the former Booth School on Davis Street in Elmira has become the center of some heated opposition.
        Despite some parents worrying about safety in the area surrounding Booth, most staff members currently working there say the neighborhood is not as bad as its reputation.
       Grant Writing Coordinator at GST BOCES, Jason Harmon says, "Late night if you walk out and you're one of the last few cars in the parking lot, its like any other situation. I don't feel any heightened sense concern that I would anywhere else."
      A YWCA program for six-week to five year olds also calls Booth School home and Director Judy Elston says she has not has problems in the two years she worked there. She says, " I feel perfectly safe here everyday."
     Still some parents say they are concerned this neighborhood is not safe. Meanwhile, acting Superintendent Joe Hochreiter assures there have been no increases in crime. "The police chief was very clear. He said that neighborhood is no less safe than any other neighborhood in Elmira."
      When the Booth School closed years ago, Hochreiter thinks, the neighborhood got sloppy, bringing down its reputation. "There is some hope if we reopen the school and put the bus, foot and parent traffic back in the neighborhood that the neighborhood will rise again," says Hochreiter.
        Now the cost of the renovation at Booth School is not certain yet. But district officials say the funds will come from a capitol construction project approved by voters in 2006.
      The goal is to free up space in crowded schools and meet all students needs.
     "Our vision is to bring all of these pieces together and have a dynamite school focused on four year olds focused on parent involvement, focused on students abilities," explains Hochreiter.
      Parents have a chance to voice concerns Monday, June 29 at 7 p.m. in the E.F.A. Community Room.