Enfield Montessori School Needs Your Help!


This week I was made aware of a situation that I want to speak out about in this week’s article. It has to do with the future of the Enfield Montessori School (EMS) and the use of the parking lot they have used for years.

The Enfield Montessori School has been in operation for over 40 years serving the needs our community by bringing first class education. The property located at 1370 Enfield Street was acquired by the Felician Sisters in 1932. The school has provided a great place to learn for children 3-12 years old and with your support will continue. But, that is just what is needed….Your support and help.

In 2003, the Enfield Zoning Enforcement Officer issued an order that the school cease and desist use of its parking area despite the fact that the parking area had been continuously used as the school parking lot for decades and preexisted zoning and the establishment of an historic district along Enfield Street.

In 2004, the Enfield Historic District Commission denied an application by the school to improve the parking area on the site by moving it behind the main school building along the rear border of the historic district.

While the historic district matter was pending, the Zoning Enforcement Officer issued a second cease and desist order forcing an appeal to the Enfield Zoning Board of Appeals.

In 2005, the Zoning Board of Appeals overturned the zoning enforcement order and determined that the existing parking area used by the school for decades was legal.

The Planning and Zoning Commission has now sued the Zoning Board of Appeals claiming the decision that the parking area is legal should be overturned.

So there you have it. This information was provided to me by concerned staff, parents, and alumni of the school. But is there more behind the scene political maneuvering that has not been disclosed? Over the next few weeks I am going to do my best to investigate if there is some personal interest by local politicians. Do some people high up have a stake in this property?

So how can you help?

Here are a few things that citizens can do to come to the aid of the EMS.

First, join me and other concerned people on October 16, 2006 at 6:00 P.M. on the Town Green for a rally to protect the school. You as taxpayers have a voice and it needs to loud and clear.

Two, contact our local elected officials and tell them to step up and stand up to protect one of Enfields most historic institutions.

Three, contact those heading up the Protect EMS Team and let them know you support them. Contact information is: ProtectEMS@cox.net or call Sister Anastasia at 745-5847.

The fact is this endeavor can be a costly one for the Felician Sisters. With all they do, it is terrible that they have to spend money to fight a legal battle, money that would otherwise be spent for community care.

Let me remind you also that when one Board sues another in our town it is you who pay the expense. Is this a good use of public tax money?

Also let me report that from the information I have obtained the EMS saves the taxpayers over $300,000.00 a year by providing great education.

So contact them today and let your voice be heard. Contact our members of the Town council and ask them where they stand on this issue. Then, since this is an election year, contact people running for office and if it’s not an issue…make it one. Remember, you have the power, because you have the vote.

You also can contact me at GTStokessr@aol.com . I will help you, help EMS.

Greg Stokes