You Told Us is a regular feature where we highlight comments from users in the communities DNAinfo New York covers.
SUNNYSIDE — When elected officials announced the city's plan last month to open a new middle school in the neighborhood, it was greeted as good news for local parents, who've been pushing to get one built in the overcrowded district for years.
But the site proposed for the future school, at 38-04 48th St., is home to a two-story building designed by Clarence Stein, one of the famed architects behind homes in nearby Sunnyside Gardens — sparking concern from preservationists who want to make sure the structure doesn't get torn down.
Earlier this week, State Sen. Michael Gianaris sent a letter to the School Construction Authority asking if the agency can retain at least some portion of the existing building in its designs for the proposed school.
While the SCA says it has not determined yet whether it will tear down the current building or convert it, DNAinfo readers weighed in on what they think should be done.
Several said the need for a new middle school in an area that desperately needs one outweighs the building's architectural significance:
► "How short-sighted. To worry about 'saving' a dilapidated garage when your neighbors need a place to send their children to school. This 'historic preservation' is a luxury Sunnyside cannot afford," Neighborhood Square user licreader writes. "How disappointing to see people choosing an abandoned building over the greater good of their community."
► "Yes you are a bad person for opposing a badly needed middle school in favor of an ugly abandoned unused old parking garage," user Mythoughts247 agreed. "Can the rest of the neighborhood finally stand up to the NIMBY extremists?"
But others argued that the site's significance to the neighborhood should keep it from being lost.
►I definitely do not want any of Stein's work destroyed. We already have lost so much of our history which defines who we are," drprincetta wrote on Neighborhood Square. "There are other areas where a school can be located...Let's create not destroy!"
One reader said they think the site is unsuitable for a school, regardless of its history.
► "The idea of tearing down this building and replacing it [with] a school is, from my observation, incredibly unpopular with people in the area," reader 39thave said.
"This is a terrible location for a school with what was first announced to be 800 seats. It is isolated and very far from public transportation. Children will have to cross Northern or Queens Boulevards to get to school every day."
The SCA will be accepting feedback on the proposed school location until Nov. 4. Members of the public who want to submit their comments on the plan can email sites@nycsca.org.
Community District Education Council 30 will also hold a public hearing about the proposal on Oct. 17 at 6 p.m. at P.S. 361 in Woodside.
