Purpose:
To highlight the critical safety concerns posed by the proposed Home Depot development near several schools in our community and to encourage local education officials to take action. The goal is to mobilize school principals, district officials, school board members, and parent-teacher associations (PTAs) to protect our students from the increased traffic, noise, and safety risks associated with this commercial project.
Message:
Our children’s safety is paramount, and the proximity of the proposed Home Depot development to our schools presents significant risks. By contacting local education officials, you can help ensure that these safety concerns are addressed at the highest levels. Use the email templates provided to communicate your concerns and urge school principals, district officials, school board members, and PTAs to oppose this development and advocate for the safety and well-being of our students.
Who to Contact:
- School Principals:
- Reach out to the principals of the nearby schools to alert them to the potential safety hazards posed by the development.
- School District Officials:
- Inform district officials, including the Superintendent, about the risks to student safety and urge them to advocate on behalf of the schools.
- School Board Members:
- Contact members of the Manatee County School Board to express your concerns and seek their support in opposing the development.
- Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs):
- Engage with PTAs to organize a collective response from concerned parents and ensure that the issue of student safety is brought to the forefront.
Email Templates and Contact Information:
Below are email templates you can use to communicate with each group, along with the relevant contact information. Simply copy the text, customize it with your details, and send it to help protect our children from the potential dangers of this development.
1. Email Template to School Principals
Subject: Urgent: School Safety Concerns Regarding Proposed Home Depot Development
Dear [Principal’s Name],
I am writing to express serious concerns about the proposed Home Depot development at Lorraine and Rangeland, which is dangerously close to [School Name]. The increased traffic from semis, trailers, and other large vehicles associated with a big-box store poses a clear risk to the safety of our students who walk, bike, or drive to school.
As the principal, I urge you to consider these safety concerns and take action to protect our children. Please join the community in opposing this development to ensure the safety and well-being of our students.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Email Address]
2. Email Template to School District Officials
Subject: School Safety at Risk: Concerns About Proposed Home Depot Development
Dear [Superintendent’s Name],
As a resident and concerned parent, I am deeply troubled by the proposed Home Depot development at Lorraine and Rangeland, which is alarmingly close to several schools in our community. The increased traffic from semis and trailers poses a significant safety risk to students.
I urge you to advocate on behalf of our schools and prioritize student safety by opposing this development. It’s essential that we protect our children from the dangers associated with large commercial traffic near school zones.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Email Address]
3. Email Template to School Board Members
Subject: Please Protect Our Students: Opposition to Home Depot Development
Dear [Board Member’s Name],
I am writing to express my serious concerns about the proposed Home Depot development at Lorraine and Rangeland, which is located near several schools, including [School Name]. The increased traffic from large vehicles presents a clear danger to students who walk, bike, or drive to school.
As a member of the School Board, I urge you to consider these safety concerns and support the community’s efforts to oppose this development. The safety of our students should be our top priority.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Email Address]
4. Email Template to Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs)
Subject: Urgent: School Safety Concerns Regarding Nearby Development
Dear [PTA President’s Name],
I am reaching out as a concerned parent regarding the proposed Home Depot development at Lorraine and Rangeland. This project is dangerously close to our schools and poses significant safety risks due to increased traffic from semis and trailers.
I believe it’s important that our PTA addresses this issue and mobilizes parents to voice their concerns. Together, we can work to protect our students and ensure their safety in and around our school zones.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Email Address]
While you’re at it, also send email to these key officials and departments:
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Express your environmental concerns, including the impact on wildlife and air quality.
County Commissioners: Share your opposition to the zoning changes and emphasize the importance of preserving our community’s character.
Planning and Zoning Department: Highlight technical concerns such as traffic, flooding risks, and compliance with zoning laws.
Local Education Officials: Raise school safety concerns, particularly the risks posed by increased traffic near school zones.
County Planning Commission: Urge them to recommend against the proposed zoning changes and development, emphasizing the risks to community safety, environmental health, and overall quality of life.
Home Depot Investor Relations: Voice your concerns directly to Home Depot’s leadership, emphasizing how this development will negatively impact the community and potentially harm the company’s reputation. Encourage them to reconsider the proposed location and engage with the community to find a more suitable site.