BROOKLINE — After more than three years of considering nearly 30 locations across town, Brookline residents got a first look Tuesday at architects’ renderings of what a ninth elementary school might look like at the three locations on the final list.
Architect Jonathan Levi of Jonathan Levi Architects reviewed conceptual drawings of plans that would add an additional school at the Baker School site in South Brookline; build a school at the Baldwin School site in Chestnut Hill that might, or might not, incorporate the existing 1920s building into the design; or convert the Stop & Shop in Brookline Village into a mixed-use complex with a school and grocery store co-existing on the same site.
The presentation was made before a joint session of the Board of Selectmen and School Committee, where there was a standing room-only crowd in the meeting room and more residents watching on video monitors in another room.
Many in attendance were Brookline Village residents concerned that officials were considering buying the Stop & Shop and closing it to make room for a school.
Their fears were quickly allayed by selectmen chairman Neil Wishinsky, who made it clear his board would never vote to close the market.
“We have stated publicly that none of us is in favor of a plan where the net result is no full-service supermarket,’’ he said. “That is not going to happen.’’
Levi said each of the three sites has topographical features that could make building difficult, and officials said there will be unique permitting issues at each site that could involve approval from the Historical Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission, Conservation Commission, and other boards or commissions.
But even with the caveats, they said there are now viable options that point to a final decision being made in October.
“I’m thrilled. I’ve seen 10 schools, and they all look like schools I could really get excited about,’’ School Committee vice chairman David Pollak said of the different configurations Levi proposed at each site.
Town officials decided last winter to move forward without state funding to build a new elementary school that would be able to accommodate up to 800 students in kindergarten through eighth grade, with four classrooms for each grade. There are still no costs associated with the proposals. Officials say they are expecting to get estimates on each option next month.
School officials say a ninth elementary school is necessary because of “dramatic’’ enrollment growth, which has added 1,570 students to the system in the past 10 years. With no action, they say, there will be a shortage of from 27 to 30 classrooms, causing elementary class sizes to rise to 25 or more students in at least 75 classes by 2020.
Plans for expanding the high school through renovation and expansion on site, or at another location are also moving on a parallel track, according to School Committee chairwoman Susan Ditkoff.
More information about the options Levi proposed at each site can be found on the Public Schools of Brookline website under the “capital projects’’ tab.
Ellen Ishkanian can be reached at eishkanian@ gmail.com.
