Wednesday, January 24, 2001
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Wednesday, January 24, 2001 |
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Starr's Mill developer commits $150,000 for schools By DAVE
HAMRICK
Developers of a new office and shopping center across from the Starr's Mill school complex on Ga. Highway 74 have promised to donate $150,000 to improve the schools over the next ten years. Of that, $100,000 will be made available immediately: $50,000 to kick off construction of a field house at Starr's Mill High School, and $50,000 for landscaping at the three schools. Starr's Mill LLC has further committed to provide $5,000 a year for 10 years as part of its desire to be a Partner in Education with the three schools. The complex includes Starr's Mill High School, Rising Star Middle School and Peeples Elementary. "This was not solicited by us," said school Superintendent Dr. John DeCotis as the Board of Education discussed the offer Monday night. The board unanimously approved a memorandum of agreement to accept the donations. Board member Marion Key said she is concerned about how the shopping center will affect traffic in the area. "We have 16-year-olds driving out there, and that always concerns me," she said. But the shopping center has already been approved by the County Commission, and the developers' goodwill gesture is appreciated, board members said, adding that they hope other developers will be inspired to take the same sort of action. The company also donated more than 50 acres of its 80-acre site to Fayette County for green space, using 28 acres for the shopping center.
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