Sylvania Board of Education rejects property for future Central Elementary

12/30/2010

Citing a liquid propane pipeline as a concern, the Sylvania Board of Education voted 5-0 Thursday afternoon against a site on Central Avenue to replace an existing elementary school.

The board held a $737,000 purchase option for nearly 40 acres at 8739 Central Ave. in Sylvania Township, now owned by Laura L. Bertch and Joan C. Brown. It was planned to be the future home for Central Elementary.

A liquid propane pipeline runs along the eastern edge of property.

In a July 22 letter to schools Superintendent Brad Rieger, Don Grossberndt, director of stakeholder relations with Dome Petroleum Corp., said his company was worried that "a higher level of activity" around the pipeline might "result in an increased risk to those working, living, and going to school" nearby, particularly during construction.

The board voted to look elsewhere for land for the school upon a recommendation from Mr. Rieger.

The district for several years has reviewed sites to replace Central Elementary, which is surrounded by commercial development at Central Avenue and King Road.