The Story
BHS may be getting some new neighbors.
Explain
There’s a new apartment complex proposal near the high school, right behind ex-shorty’s. It would bring more workforce housing to Bedford, which the town is currently short on. The developer also wants to cut into school assets such as its water supply and sewage system, which is cheaper than building their own. And, because we know that you’re worried, Mr. Jozokos confirmed that the LARP castle will be safe. Phew.
The reaction?
Not good, not good. There are some valid points. With 246 parking spaces, there would be 246 more cars on 101. And we all know how traffic currently is in the morning. Also, building on wetlands is usually an environmental no no.
What else?
Bedford parents are opposed. Weird. There are many schools of thought. One is that there are plenty of apartments already. Another is that allowing the apartments to use school resources may prevent future expansion. One man thought it just sounded “unsafe.” The largest opposition comes from the taxpayers. According to many, the taxpayers would have to pay for the building’s infrastructure, and on top of that, the complex would bring in at least 120 non-taxpayers.
What’s wrong with that?
So many things. First of all, the enrollment of students is projected to go down in a few years. So, expansion spansion. Second of all, the developers would pay the full cost of extending from the school, and a water company would pay for the school’s resources, and actually save taxpayers money. Also, before we talk about having “plenty” of apartments, have you seen the number of banks in this town?
Now what?
Does anyone else find it odd that many parents seem to be against new workforce housing, which could bring lower income residents into Bedford, a town that’s, let’s just say, on the wealthier side? But that has nothing to do with it. At all. It’s not that Bedford parents don’t like diversity, who would even think that, not us! They’re just very, very, concerned with the school’s water supply. How dare an apartment try to take water away from kids? We’re only children!
What’s happening now?
Only a conceptual plan was submitted two weeks ago and all the opposition will probably make the detailed plans change a bit. But besides that, nothing much. There has yet to be an official proposal made to anyone. Right now, there’s talk, but not much else.
The Runaway
Things may get a little cozier around the high school. Ready for that small town feel?
What to Do…
When people start counting down the days to summer 2019…
Remember that summer 2018 problems aren’t over yet. A little more than a week ago, Zanna Blaney, BHS Dean of Student Services, was put on administrative leave. Blaney testified at the sentencing of former Exeter HS guidance counselor, Kristie Torbick, which Bedford parents weren’t too happy about. Bedford parents? Opinionated? Very odd. There has been an ongoing investigation into whether Blaney and BHS guidance counselors Mulcahey, and Mattson did anything for which they could or should be fired. The results were given to Superintendent Mike Fournier on August 27, the day before school started. He put Blaney on leave four days later. Fournier has the power to put Blaney on administrative leave without the school board’s permission. Administrative leave is temporary leave from a job. If he decides to do anything further, he’ll make a recommendation to the school board. Blaney can’t stay on administrative leave forever. She has to be fired, which requires the school board, or taken off administrative leave. What a cliffhanger.
When someone falls down…
Point and laugh. In football, cry, pray, and eat your feelings. In the first football game of the season against Nashua North, two of our starting offensive linemen Tim Galamaga and Cole Wheeler, suffered knee injuries. While the buddy system is always a good idea, the team probably would have preferred they do this solo. They lost two key players in the season opener. TWO. Galamaga was noted as a player to watch this year, and was even getting attention from colleges. Coach Stank doesn’t know for sure if either will be back. So, what now? Everyone’s gotta step it up! Stank said that linemen Tory Helton, Charlie Kneissl-Williams, Drew Allard and Alex Pantelakos will have to pick up the slack. No pressure! The four definitely seemed to have it handled last Friday, but with a final score of 44-3, either they stepped it up, or Concord…stepped it down?
When you’re still not ready to handle a five day school week…
Don’t worry. You don’t have to face that fear until next week. We know sleeping in and avoiding homework is all you’re thinking about, but stuff is actually happening at school. Primary voting is tomorrow and the past year’s events have led to concerns like gun safety during the elections. The Friday before school started Manchester police taught poll workers how to deal with an active shooter, highlighting the fact that, in NH it’s legal to bring a gun into a polling place, even a high school. Live free or die.
When everyone hates you…
Embrace it. Apparently, that’s what we’re doing. Our top ranking athletic program, has pretty devoted fans to go with it. Last Friday was the first home game of the football season, and the fans were ready. To say the least, a fish was thrown around the audience, people were a little flag happy, and lots and lots of baby powder was inhaled. As for our cheers? We’ll just say that, while chanting bullsh** at the refs was not okay, booing the other team when they scored their ONLY three points at the end of the game was perfectly fine. Why do people not like Bedford again?
Things to know
The Key to Getting into your Dream School
Personal Ponies. No, that is not a typo. You can volunteer to walk ponies. Again, not a typo. WALK, not ride. And, if you’re lucky, you could train a pygmy goat. Colleges want unique students, and we bet you that no other applicant will have any experience walking ponies.
Surprise surprise!
PSATs are soon! Yeah, it sucks, but it can help you. If juniors pay the $25 registration fee (get over it) and score well, they could be eligible for scholarships. Sorry, sophomores, but you’re forced to take it anyway. On the bright side, you don’t have to pay (enjoy your one privilege). The test is on October 10, which is so far away! Not really, but keep pretending. Registration is open in the counseling office until September 28, so you have time, because making decisions is hard. Unfortunately, after taking the test you’ll still have to go to S3 and S4. Once again, just forget about that part and it’ll go away.