In June 2023, their plans are to demolish the structurally sound historic building. This UNNECESSARY DEMOLITION will be to remove asbestos ... WHAT????!!! James Martin was built back in 1894 to 1896 and expanded in 1922.

The neighbors of Port Richmond and especially those in close vicinity of James Martin, are against the DEMOLITION of this sturdy Romanesque building.

 We are not against any remediation of the building, of course, to remove any environmental damage, but this does not require demolition.

 Our CHILDREN, along with other CHILDREN throughout the city, attend the school, and it is a part of our neighborhood and surrounding areas in many other ways. This project should benefit the neighborhood as well.

 The pollutants from the debris will be an absolute health hazard to all which will be exposed and -- is a completely avoidable, unnecessary action!

 As we know, demolitions throughout our citys' history have affected surrounding properties severely.

The minimum eleven question survey excluded the neighborhoods' opinions. This survey was presented to only a few who attended the neighborhood meeting on December 7, 2022, although the decision was finalized in March 2022.

 There was plenty of time to engage with the neighborhood prior to December 7, 2022, and they have been ignoring us ever since. Even some parents whose children are currently attending the school were not aware of the demolition as of April 2023. WHERE is the engagement related to this project to anyone?

The budget for the entire project is $62,800,000. Is this how you spend your funds -- use it before you lose it??!!! How does this benefit anyone other than the school district of Philadelphia?

The money spent to repair the cheap material which will be used today and undoubtedly will be needing repairs in years to come verses the material which was used to create this structurally sound building 130 years ago.

 There is no reason to destroy and cause environmental issues and health hazards. To show we are not closed-minded, another option could be: SDP could sell property ... developer happy to remediate w/out demolition School District of Philadelphia has approx. $5 million from sale NO DEMOLITION NEEDED ,No gas for bussing students, No payment to bus, companies Less emissions in air This money can go towards other schools in the city for their repairs, especially since most of the students attending due not reside in Port Richmond. In closure, KEEP IN MIND THAT REMEDIATION WAS DONE TO THIS SCHOOL AROUND THE PERIOD IT WAS A NURSING SCHOOL.

 In addition to that thought, BIG QUESTION IS :  If this school is so hazardous, why were the students permitted to be in such a building up until this DATE??  ALL AND ALL DEMOLITION IS NOT NEEDED.

Thank you for taking the time to read this please note the more people who sign this petition, and the option is there you to (sign anonymously.)

the more of people to sign this better the odds are this building not BEING DEMOLISHED !!!!  Thank you 

Please know the following received a copy of this via email

CC 

capitalbids@philasd.orgJHohenstein@pahouse.net
mike.Driscoll@phila.gov
darrell.clarke@phila.gov
tartaglione@pasenate.com
Portrichmondna@gmail.com
olem.cleanup@epa.gov
WTXF_Web@fox.com
assignmentdesk@cbs3.com
nbc10investigators@nbcuni.com
investigates@cbsnews.com
Superintendent@philasd.org
sschmidt@whyy.org
info@preservationalliance.com
kalicki.sopo@gmail.com