Group Pushes for School Infrastructure Bond to Improve Elementary Schools
The Clark St ramp is closed due to crumbling concrete.
The Public Works department fenced off the Clark Street entrance to the ramp at Reiche Elementary. The ramp provides exterior access to the second floor community room. To access the 2nd floor from the outside use the Brackett Street ramp.
According to an email circulated by past West End Neighborhood Association president Rosanne Graef to other WENA members and elected officials, the reason for this closure is the unsafe condition of the ramp due to disintegrating concrete. The concrete has a hole in it that has been growing larger, leaving the blacktop walking surface unsupported.
According to Reiche PTO’s Judy Watson, a structural engineer will be visiting the site on February 2nd. The engineer will determine what — if anything — can be done to make the ramp structurally sound again.
A Facebook page has been created to highlight efforts underway to address infrastructure issues with five Portland elementary schools — Hall, Reiche, Longfellow, Lyseth and Presumpscot. The page is called “Protect our neighborhood schools”. The page intends to share information about the elementary schools infrastructure needs. Administrators of the site consider the five schools to be in need of serious renovations and improvements.
The Facebook page states, “Protect our Neighborhood Schools is a newly formed group of parents and community members who believe that all Portland students deserve to learn in a safe environment, in structurally sound buildings, and in innovative learning spaces. Our goal is to pass a bond this year to renovate Portland’s elementary schools.”
