School board approves property sale to PNA

Just after 8 o’clock tonight, the Seattle School Board unanimously approved the sale of the old John B. Allen Elementary School to its long-time tenant, the Phinney Neighborhood Association, for $3,050,000.
PNA Development Director Ann Bowden tells us that Board member Michael DeBell recused himself from the vote because he is a long-time PNA member. While there had been some discussion in the community about the merits of surplusing old school buildings when the district might need them again someday, board member Peter Maier said the sale was a good thing because it brings in money to the district while keeping the property available for public use, rather than selling to a developer.
The PNA will now ramp up its “Community Begins Here” capital campaign to raise $12 million to cover the cost of the sale and a massive remodel to, among other things, bring the property up to ADA standards.
The board also unanimously approved the sale of the old Crown Hill Elementary School to the Small Faces Child Development Center and its playground to the Seattle Parks Department, and the old Webster School playground to the Parks Department.