Don’t delay schools

The upcoming vote in Lakeland will be one of the most defining decisions ever for its citizens. Lakeland’s residential, commercial and industrial growth are in the balance.

Just like Germantown, Collierville and Bartlett, Lakeland began primarily as a rural, sparsely developed area; today, however, Lakeland has remained virtually unchanged while these other cities have flourished and grown. This stagnancy may be what the early residents wanted then and continue to support even now.

Lakeland has segregated commercial development to south of Interstate 40, leaving the north to remain basically noncommercial. While this lack of development preserves the original mindset, it dramatically restricts all growth area.

Lakeland has only one elementary school. Opponents to the bond-funding issue for the construction of a new combination middle and high school want to delay proceeding. Being a proponent for a school but not wanting to fund it is hypocritical.

For the average home in Lakeland, it will cost approximately $28.65 monthly. Interest rates are as low as they have been in decades; construction companies are in a highly competitive marketplace; and the land for the school site is priced two-thirds below projected cost.

To delay this issuance of bonds would be a costly decision. The 55-cent school building-fund tax will support the construction cost that is calculated at today’s current bond-interest rate.

Delaying, based upon the latest current economic projections, will surely merit a higher rate than the 55 cents that is currently approved. The school brings residential development and increased commercial interest and development.