By Local21 News
Hallie Jacobs, September 12th 2023

DAUPHIN COUNTY, Pa — Harrisburg School District’s Superintendent Eric Turman unveiled his plans for the demolition and future of the old William Penn High School.

Those ideas were met with backlash from community members.

His proposal showed William Penn High School being replaced with William Penn Park, complete with a refurbished running track, athletic field, new baseball field, and more.

The superintendent said demolishing the school and putting in something new would cost about $74 million less than renovating the building.

Before closing in 2011, William Penn was a Career & Technology School and many people at the meeting questioned why it can’t be brought back.

The school explained that the cost of renovation, new equipment, and ongoing staffing shortages would cause too much strain on the district.

Instead, the school believes adding a green space would benefit all students and help expand their sports programs.

After the presentation, resident after resident voiced their opinion on the plans, one saying, “This meeting tonight, should have been held before any decision was made or any contract was entered into to demolish the building.”

Many more chimed in, demanding the school district to save the old William Penn building from being demolished.

However, the school says something needs to be done now as numerous insurance companies refuse to cover the building due to multiple fires, squatters, graffiti and vandalism.

If the proposed plan is accepted, then between September 2024 and August 2027 they would demolish the building and start putting in the football and track area, the middle school baseball field, and renovating the tennis courts.

They are also offering several options to memorialize the old school building, like repurposing the bricks or creating new columns to resemble William Penn’s.

No decision has been made on the plans for William Penn, but the school district’s court-appointed receiver says she will take everyone’s public comments into consideration before making a decision.

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Source: Local21 News