Date: Thu, 1 Sep 2011 11:47:38 -0400
From: Heather Scheffler
Subject: Downtown Pittsboro needs every warm body it can find
I agree with Mr. Stafford. How can the energy, people, and pocketbooks that come with a school be seen as a bad thing, especially when it would be filling a very large, long-empty, and less-than-attractive spot?
Parents drop their kids at school and then immediately look to run all the errands that are easier without kids in tow…gas, groceries, pharmacy, hair, spa services, banking, gym, shopping, etc. After errands, they may very well want to relax with a coffee, snack, lunch, or glass of beer or wine. All of these things would contribute to the vitality and tax base of downtown Pittsboro.
So, while the school itself may not pay taxes, the students and parents and staff who go there surely will.
Heather B. Scheffler, PhD
Licensed Psychologist