Portable building hurts school’s appearance

Dear editor –

To our mayor, city council, the beautification board, city planning and zoning, city engineer and the Mountain Home school board, have you noticed the beautiful creation of parking, curbs and sidewalks as well as the landscaping in downtown Mountain Home?

Bravo on the replacement of the public pool in Richard Aguirre Park. It’s wonderful to have a pool again.

But what were people thinking when the placement of the temporary school facilities were approved and placed in front of one of the oldest historical areas just yards from the front entrance of what was Mountain Home High School back in 1926 and across the main thoroughfare from Carl Miller Park that was established in 1919?

The Mountain Home High School building from 1926 (which now serves as Bennett Mountain High School) was appropriately maintained, and Carl Miller Park is beautifully maintained and cared for on a weekly basis.

So why place these unsightly, temporary buildings just yards from the front entrance of Mountain Home High School from 1926? What happens if, in the future, additional classroom space is needed?

Will these structures be put in this same area?

Did you consider using the three-plus acres of school property on East 2nd North Street? This site is just yards from the west entrance to the school and is more environmentally appropriate. That area has room for future expansion away from Mountain Home’s main thoroughfare.

The legacy, integrity and historical atmosphere of this historical area should have been maintained. Tiger pride of all the alumni of Mountain Home High School, both past and present, should have been eternally honored.

You got it wrong on the placement of this facility in Mountain Home. I’m so disappointed.

– Jim Markham, retired Mountain Home School District teacher