[Lions-l] FW: Baker High News - SAVE BAKER

[gwhann at bellsouth.net]

I know this topic has been discussed here before...

Glenda (Ward) Hann - 83

It looks we have a chance to ban together and help our old school .  Please read below.
 
 
From: Terry 1973 Nunnally [mailto:postmaster at classcreator.net] 
Sent: Monday, June 09, 2008 12:01 PM
To: brucebrooks at t-mize.com
Subject: Baker High News
 
    Baker High School
All Baker Classes! 1945 -1991 

 
 
Dear Baker High School Classmates,
It is time for a Baker High School building update.  You all have been so patient, waiting to see what fate will fall on our beloved school. The following letter is hard for me to write, so many have given up and feel like all is lost.. it may seem like it is the 11th hour and nothing can be done..  Let me try my best to explain where we are in the process, and what we have the power to influence at this point. It has been frustrating to say the least, but I know for sure that  we do have some say so in the process.. believe it or not!  
 
As I write this I am looking at a historic drawing of the building.. It is my inspiration to continue with this complicated situation. 
 
History of the fight-   For the last few years the fight to save the building included.
1. A complete feasibility study of the building. Proved that the building was sound and could be used for a school building again with update and repair.. 
2. Fighting with school bord to stabilize the building so that a determination could be made concerning the reuse of the building.
3. Fight with the school board to prevent it from becoming a surplus property.
4. Fight with the school board to prevent the building from being sold to irresponsible investors.
5. Fight with the brokers to allow investors that were interested in saving the building for reuse to have some skin in the game.
6. Fight with investors that do not want to work with Baker alumni to secure artifacts.. Bricks.. Build a memorial on site...etc....... 
 
Most of the powers that be in Columbus  did not want to touch this fight.. many politicians and organizations including the Historic Foundation and Columbus South Inc.. left it to the alumni to fight this fight.. 
Some Baker folks have taken a negative approach to the fight to..  The School District neglected and abandoned the building.. It s a Historic building the only one in south Columbus.  The school was built with Federal monies to educate military dependents.. given to the local school district in good faith to take care of the building and continue to use it for educational purposes.. That is in the legal document signed in agreement with the school board.  The side of town which at one time was a proud community was facing some tough times and few were supporting the effort  to take care of the school and its neighbors.. It was sad to say the least.. 
But, there is a bright side to the story.. The great Baker and south side folks that I have known all my life have began to rise up and take a stand.. They are ready to do the right thing and make a difference in "our" community.. they are not afraid of the "powers that  be" and are ready to take on  this effort to save the building and put it back in to reuse  in the community.. Now ..let me explain how this can be accomplished..
 
1. The Place Property people have put in a 1.3 million dollar bid to the school district. They have 90 days to close the deal.. They have done their due diligence and are ready to go to the Planning commission to request to Rezone the property.  The rezoning has to go through the Planning commission and the city council.. Here is where we come in.. Baker is zoned General Commercial.. they cannot build apartments without rezoning.. They also Do not want any conflict with the Baker Alumni.. They will slip this by us in if they can get away with it.. The owner of Place -"Cecil Phillips" Does not want us fussing over bricks.. or any Baker issues..!!!!!!  They are not willing to work with us at this point..  So.... we need to protest the rezoning of the property.. Call and write your city council people..  We will need people to show up at the rezoning hearing too.. please sign up for this duty.. (with Terry Nunnally Todd) the more who sign up .... the more successful we will be!!!
 
2.  Now, that protest should slow them  down. In the mean time.. We will petition for what is ours.. The bricks.. The auditorium chairs.. chalk boards.. and build a memorial on the property.. etc.. 
 
3. If we are successful (we will be)!  Then I will point you in the direction we need to turn to accomplish the next phase of the project.. 
    A. At the least we get what we ask for.  Bricks etc..
    B. Then the negotiations begin..  Smart growth talks.. I will be involved with them in  a discussion of a better use for the property.  
    C.  And here is the BIG news ..I was saving for last.. for a reason.. There is a private national organization, that has the money and the means to save Baker and put it in to reuse in the community.. They want to make it in to a school again.. !!! 
I will be meeting with them for the second time this week.. and hopefully the next phase will begin..  There is also a private group of very well organized and powerful  local names now involved.. I  know it is the 11th hour, but it looks good..  Remember at the least we get our belongings.. the total pkg would be the building saved.. 
 
You all must know how important it is at this point that you let your voices be heard and support this effort.. Get with me and Terry about protesting  the rezoning.. and demanding our property.. 
 
Please google "Columbus Georgia Consolidated Government" look for council contact on the left hand side and all phone numbers and emails will be there..  Lets over load them with protest letters and calls !!!  
Baker Lions here we go!!!!! 
Thanks.. Reggie Liparoto Richards.. 
 
 


http://www.bakerlionspride.com 



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