Why NOT  Cathey Road?

Below are some questions and concerns that have been voiced by residents on and around Cathey Road as well as in the community:

______________________________________________________________________________________________

1. Duke Energy is making preparations to construct a power substation with large power lines on the property adjacent to the proposed school site.  How can it be safe to have our children so close to a high voltage hazard?  A British study has suggested that schools should not be built near power lines as the power lines may increase a child's chances of developing leukemia by as much as 70%.  Other school systems have fought legal battles to prevent this exact thing from happening.  Why should we be willing to risk this?  The state of Connecticut passed legislation in 2004 requiring power lines passing near schools to be buried because of health concerns.  Also, the Georgia State Board of Education prohibits the building of a school within one mile of a power substation.

2.  Will District Five be responsible for ALL road improvements that are necessary to make Cathey Road fit for the massive increase in traffic?  Or, will it only improve the road immediately along the school frontage.  Will it end up like the Midway and McLees Elementary schools where the taxpayers will have to pick up the tab?  Is this the option that will cost the school system less and the taxpayers more? 

3. Why are we building a school on a quiet, private farm road when there are 37 acres available less than a 1/2 mile away on Hwy 81 North?  We do not wish to see one of Anderson's treasured country settings transformed into a showcase for concrete structures and lines of cars and schoolbuses.

4. Cathey Road has no side roads for traffic relief.  The only places for cars to enter/exit the road are at the intersection of Hwy 81 North and the intersection of Concord Rd.

     -- The Cathey Rd./Concord Rd. intersection is extremely dangerous.  Many wrecks occur at that intersection because of the lack of visibility.

     -- The Cathey Rd./Hwy 81 North intersection is also home to Sullivan-King Mortuary.  What will happen at this intersection when there is a 2:30p.m. funeral while school hours are ending?

     -- Cathey Road is only 2-lane road with no side roads.  How will it be able to handle the tremendous amount of traffic that a school will create?

5. After years of farming, are non-degradeable toxic chemicals and pesticides safe for a school setting? 

6. There is no sewer system at the proposed location.  How will this be accomodated and who will pay for it?

7. How will a new school be staffed when current staff is being laid off?

8. South Carolina is in the Top 15 States of farmland lost to development (www.farmland.org). Help preserve the remaining farmland on Cathey Road.

10. Hunters' gunshots are commonly heard on Cathey Road.  Will this be a safe location for our children?