The recent SUP application for The Children’s School represents a commitment to the highest degree of continued excellence in education. The SUP Master Plan reflects a well thought-out approach to anticipating and planning for the needs of a diverse population of students. This Plan, and the approach to gaining approval, also demonstrates the School’s commitment to contributing to the overall image of its home neighborhood, Midtown. The School has been an integral part of the revitalization of Midtown over the past two decades and through this current SUP application process, has proven itself to be an active participant in moving Midtown from a neighborhood in transition to one of stability and one that is oriented to families. The School, and especially its Board of Trustees, have ushered in a new and very positive relationship with the neighborhood. Through a very balanced approach, characterized by ongoing communication and negotiation, both the neighborhood and the School have reached agreements and approval of a Master Plan that meets the needs of the students and the neighborhood alike. The entire SUP process has resulted in an open, productive dialogue with the School’s Board, administration, neighbors, and the Midtown Neighbors’ Association.

Please be assured that the neighborhood is committed to building upon and continuing the very positive relationship that has resulted from the SUP application process. Serious hard work and long hours have gone into reaching a final plan that was unanimously approved by the Zoning Review Board. Approval is still needed from City Council. I certainly hope that the parents, alumni, and other supporters of the School will make the final effort to communicate their support for the SUP to the members of the council.

Together the School and the neighborhood have developed a negotiated plan that serves as a benchmark for “neighbors” working together to achieve results that exceeded the starting points of two polarized parties. Thank you to the Board of Trustees for working in a trusting and open manner to achieve results that are a benefit to all and contribute to the school becoming an important component to the fabric and character of Midtown.

I am personally committed to continuing the open communication, joint problem-solving, and positive relationship that has evolved from the SUP process. New doors have been opened and I am confident that The Children’s School and the Midtown Neighbors’ Association will be working together to resolve the inevitable issues that will arise and we will work together to implement the Master Plan and the ten conditions and two agreements that comprise our successful efforts.

Your Board of Trustees has worked hard to achieve a positive relationship. I ask that all the school’s parents and graduates commit to supporting the positive relationship that is a direct result of all our efforts over the past months. The Children’s School and the Midtown Neighbors’ Association are now in the role of providing a role model for the entire city of how two distinct organizations can work together to resolve differences. We have taken on a great deal of responsibility in fulfilling the high expectations that have evolved. I personally look forward to building upon the solid foundation that has been built in your first step in the construction of the 2007 Master Plan.

Steve Brodie
Board Member, NPU-E
Midtown Neighbors’ Association - Board Member
Chair, Midtown Neighbors’ Association Land Use Committee