School 'growth impact statement' proposed for annexation, rezoning

GAINESVILLE - One Gainesville city council candidate feels the time has come for city annexation/rezoning requests to include a "growth impact statement" on schools.

Ruth Bruner, one of three candidates for the council seat being vacated by Sissy Lawson, says because of the "dynamics" involved in the city's annexation/rezoning process, the impact of growth on the city school system has not been adequately addressed.

Bruner says inclusion of a growth impact statement would be a valuable instrument in assessing the impact of growth on the city school system.

Three school board members helped successfully lobbied against a 231-acre annexation request that went before the city council Tueday night.