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# Rose Tree Media to Seize Land for K-1 Center
- URL: https://www.middletownobserver.com/rose-tree-media-to-seize-land-for/
- Published: 2026-04-26T18:17:34.000Z
- Updated: 2026-05-23T18:10:34.000Z
- Description: Rose Tree Media School Board Legislative Meeting (April 23)
- Author: Paul, Middletown Observer
- Tags: Rose Tree Media School District

1. **Following months of** [**stalled negotiations with the neighboring property owner**](https://www.middletownobserver.com/cannot-wait-any-longer-rose-tree/)**, the school board approved a “declaration of taking” to acquire a small piece of land necessary for the K-1 Center and the realignment of Rose Tree Road.** Officials noted that the legal maneuver won’t stop private negotiations to reach a settlement.
2. **Several residents spoke out against the project.** Some cited “exponentially growing unknown costs” because PennDOT won’t pay for the Rose Tree Road change - the school district will. Additionally, the legal costs of filing eminent domain haven’t been disclosed yet.
3. **The school board voted to approve a 3.5% real estate tax increase. I**t’s the maximum allowed by the state for the upcoming year. During public comment, residents questioned the necessity of the maximum tax hike, suggesting the district should provide tax relief instead of creating full-day kindergarten.
4. **The Board will hold its next work session on May 14, 2026, at the Springton Lake Middle School Library, where the community will receive a final update on the budget before the official vote.** A final vote on the budget is scheduled for the May 28 legislative meeting.

You can find a record of the meeting here:

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