Legitimate questions

Though this newspaper has a long history of supporting the development of all types of housing for the community, we have some problems with the proposed "senior complex" at the old Waynesboro Elementary School site.

There is no question that an attractive, well-planned senior citizen housing development would be a great addition to the housing mix in the area. It would also be nice to find a practical use for the old school building itself, which served the county for many years as both a high and an elementary school. Thousands of local citizens have memories of attending classes in that building and would be happy to see it restored to a useful purpose.

That particular part of the Waynesboro Historic District has been undergoing something of a revival over the past few years. A number of courageous developers and homeowners have invested many thousands of dollars restoring homes on Academy, Shadrack and Liberty Streets and returning those few city blocks to their former status as one of the city's most gracious and comfortable neighborhoods. Many of those property owners feel threatened by the proposed development. We think they are justified.

The construction of any type of high density housing, regardless of classification by age or income, could have a very negative impact on what we see as a very positive trend. Perhaps there is room for compromise, perhaps not. Either way, we hope city officials will realize the possible consequences of their decision.