The proposed construction of a new Health Department, Department of Social Services (DSS), and Northwestern Community Services facility adjacent to the DG Cooley Elementary School campus in Clarke County has raised significant concerns among members of our community, parents, and school staff. Our primary objections to this location stems from the potential negative impact it might have on school safety, loss of space currently used by students and community for activities along with forfeiting space that could meet future needs of CCPS, and the effects of increased traffic on an unimproved section of Westwood Road. 

Placing such a facility directly next to an elementary school could increase traffic on an already narrow portion of Westwood Road, which has become increasingly busy with traffic to and from DG Cooley Elementary.  The increased movement of vehicles and people associated with the facility may pose risks to students who walk or bike to the nearby stadium and ball fields, especially those walking to and from for athletic practices and games. 

Our community is proud of maintaining a safe, and supportive learning environment for our children, and many fear that the proposed location could undermine this. The  proximity of such a facility to young school children could expose them to situations or clientele not conducive to an elementary school setting. We believe it is possible to relocate the facility to another site within the county that does not jeopardize the day-to-day safety of our children. 

We need to ensure that any development in our community prioritizes the safety and education of our children. We urge the Clarke County Board of Supervisors, along with Clarke County Public Schools, to reconsider this proposal and engage with the community to identify a more suitable location that benefits all stakeholders.

Join us in voicing our concerns and protecting our children and their educational environment. Please sign and share this petition to oppose the current proposed location of the Health Department/DSS/Northwestern Community Services facility and advocate for a strategic relocation that prioritizes the safety and well-being of our children and community.