Planoites for Property Rights

No Notice, Dust, Noise, and Loss of Beloved Trees: Montessori School Owner Speaks Out Against Eminent Domain Case

In a deeply distressing turn of events, the Montessori Children’s House in Plano, Texas has fallen victim to an unjust and rigged eminent domain case, as the city callously seized its land. The school owner, Effie Saifi has spoken out against the city's actions, shedding light on the absence of any notice, the disruptive dust and noise, and the heart-wrenching loss of beloved trees that once defined the students' educational experience.

With a heavy heart, Effie Saifi recounts the harrowing experience of waking up to the sight of construction crews and heavy machinery descending upon the Montessori School without any prior warning on June 1st, 2023. The city's complete disregard for the school community's well-being and educational environment is deeply troubling, leaving Effie Saifi and others feeling betrayed and powerless.

The sudden construction project unleashed a wave of disruptive noise that permeated every corner of the school. The relentless pounding, drilling, and machinery operations shattered the serenity that once characterized the Montessori School. Young minds, eager to explore and learn, now grapple with the constant clamor that threatens their focus and hinders their educational journey.

Moreover, the construction site has become a breeding ground for dust, casting a gray haze over the once-vibrant learning spaces. The fine particles settle on every surface, making it arduous for teachers and students to maintain a clean and healthy environment. As a result, respiratory concerns have emerged, with some students experiencing allergic reactions and breathing difficulties.

The constant flow of workers coming and going around the school grounds further disrupts the educational rhythm. Outdoor activities, once cherished by the students for the freedom and connection with nature they provided, have been stripped away. The loss of access to open spaces limits physical exercise and undermines the Montessori School's holistic approach to education.

Adding to the profound loss is the wanton destruction of the trees that held a special place in the hearts of the Montessori School community. These trees were not merely a part of the landscape; they were companions and teachers, offering shade, beauty, and valuable lessons about the natural world. Their removal, without any consideration for the emotional impact on the students, only deepens the anguish caused by the city's actions.

Effie Saifi speaks out against the city's unjust and rigged eminent domain case, questioning the motives and processes that led to the seizure of the Montessori School's land. The lack of transparency and failure to provide adequate notice underscores a disregard for the institution, its students, and the nurturing environment it fostered. The emotions run deep, as Effie Saifi emphasizes the need for accountability and justice.

In the face of this adversity, Effie Saifi is determined to fight for the rights of the Montessori School and its students. Legal representatives have been engaged to challenge the city's actions and seek recourse for the devastating losses incurred. The Montessori School community stands united, rallying behind [Effie Saifi’s courageous efforts to protect the institution and secure the educational future of their students.

As the dust settles and the noise subsides, the Montessori School's voice continues to be heard. Parents, guardians, and concerned citizens have joined the cause, expressing their support through protests, petitions, and calls for transparency. The community refuses to accept the city's actions as an inevitable outcome, demanding fairness and justice in the face of this egregious violation.

The city officials responsible for the seizure of the Montessori School's land have yet to respond to the mounting criticisms and heartfelt pleas for explanation. The public eagerly awaits their response, seeking accountability and a resolution that rectifies the harm inflicted upon the institution and its students.

Amid the turmoil, Effie Saifi remains resolute, determined to restore the Montessori School's rightful place and ensure that the children receive the quality education they deserve. In the face of an unjust and rigged eminent domain case, their unwavering commitment to the students and the Montessori philosophy shines as a beacon of hope in the pursuit of justice and a brighter future.

This is the one they showed the council. It’s false all the way through. They are no other big points but the ones in short 1-pager below. There’s a chart showing what’s done and who would’ve stopped it had they known. It’s in the comments below. https://planotx.new.swagit.com/videos/01232017-1651 #42

Jan 23, 2017 City Council - Plano, TX (j) To accept the findings and opinions of the Annual Audit; authorizing the City Manager, or in his absence the Director of Finance, to publish the results thereof; and providing an effective date.

We go back for mom's part tomorrow. Come out and support. 9am start time. 🖌🚸🆙🇺🇸🎮🧩🪆📢 Here's our website if you want to read more: https://www.montessoriplano.com/in-the-news
Montessori Children's House Montessori Children's House Effie Saifi 2100 Bloomdale Rd. Collin 7

In The News — Montessori Children's House help us win.

Where they’re taking land at the school

Tomorrow’s a big day. Time to see what this town wants from us and that we will be getting a victory (either way) 😁. For people who want to show support, please come by around 12 or anytime after. We get to stay there until around 5. Trial is in court 7. Details are following: 2100 Bloomdale Mckinney.

Our justice will never get done, but we're hoping this town will go back to the same values it started from. Presently in the chambers.

Planoites for Property Rights updated their business hours.

*1/24/2023* Save the date. We go back to court and we are up on the 24th. If you can show our supportive Miss Effie support & love, then we will win. ❤️💕🙏🏻🙂 See below. @7

&



The court is 7, but Judge Waddell is not our judge.
Waddell
Presiding
Russell A. Steindam Courts Building
2100 Bloomdale Rd.
Suite 30372
McKinney, TX 75071

save the date *1/23/23*

County Court at Law 7 Case Lookup & Court Schedules Check the Court's Docket or get information about a specific individual case. You'll need to know the cause number or the exact name of the parties.

𝑰 𝒂𝒎 𝒔𝒐 𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒇𝒖𝒍 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒚 𝑨𝒎𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝑫𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒎 of owning and operating an exceptional Montessori School for children. I truly believe we are the cornerstone of impactful and meaningful connection and education for our children.

Right now, we are busy gearing up for another impressive fall semester enrollment. We would love to focus 120% on this effort, but 𝒘𝒆 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒊𝒅𝒔𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒂 7 𝒚𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒔 𝒃𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒍𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑪𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒐𝒇 𝑷𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒐 to keep our sacred land for the school, for the children. They have strong-armed us for too long now. We have exhausted all of our resources and community support just to keep the land we rightfully own. Imminent domain has not been our friend.

We just want to keep the land we purchased over 25 years ago to continue to expand and grow our school. We want to provide a more enriched learning experience and environment. We have the blueprints for a soccer and sports field, an outdoor shaded playground, a waterpark, and an extended parking lot ready to go. However, 𝒘𝒆 𝒇𝒆𝒂𝒓 𝒘𝒆 𝒄𝒂𝒏𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒃𝒖𝒊𝒍𝒅 out because the city wants the land for to connect a bike trail.
-
𝑬𝒇𝒇𝒊𝒆 𝑺𝒂𝒊𝒇𝒊
Montessori Children's House
https://www.montessoriplano.com/

𝑰 𝒂𝒎 𝒔𝒐 𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒇𝒖𝒍 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒚 𝑨𝒎𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝑫𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒎 of owning and operating an exceptional Montessori School for children. I truly believe we are the cornerstone of impactful and meaningful connection and education for our children.

Right now, we are busy gearing up for another impressive fall semester enrollment. We would love to focus 120% on this effort, but 𝒘𝒆 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒊𝒅𝒔𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒂 7 𝒚𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒔 𝒃𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒍𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑪𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒐𝒇 𝑷𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒐 to keep our sacred land for the school, for the children. They have strong-armed us for too long now 😔 We have exhausted all of our resources and community support just to keep the land we rightfully own. Imminent domain has not been our friend.

We just want to keep the land we purchased over 25 years ago to continue to expand and grow our school. We want to provide a more enriched learning experience and environment. We have the blueprints for a soccer and sports field, an outdoor shaded playground, a waterpark, and an extended parking lot ready to go. However, 𝒘𝒆 𝒇𝒆𝒂𝒓 𝒘𝒆 𝒄𝒂𝒏𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒃𝒖𝒊𝒍𝒅 out because the city wants the land for to connect a bike trail.

-𝑬𝒇𝒇𝒊𝒆 𝑺𝒂𝒊𝒇𝒊
Montessori Children's House

⛱️ 𝑰𝒔 𝒔𝒖𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒓 𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒂𝒍𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒚? Well let us tell you how much fun was had over the past few months during summer camp.

In June we had to have a party, because "school was out!" We did that with a Bollywood dance party. The kids were full of smiles and dancing about with glee. Then we turned on the sciences and ran our very own Mad Science lab. We couldn't tell if they like that more or the petting zoo or the visit from the Firefighters. Nothing quite beats the look on their faces when they get to explore and learn about the truck the firefighters ride on to do their good works!

July was very eventful as well. We pulled out all the stops starting with a 4th of July parade that got a lot of cheers! We even did something a little out of the box and had the children participate in a drum circle, all kids like to bang on things loudly! Then we finished out the month with a mouth watering cooking class, a cool-me-down splash day, and lastly a puppet and magic show!

We made sure to keep the kids plenty entertained and educated the entire summer. We made sure to continue their Montessori school education that includes math, language arts, social studies, botany, geography and so much more. We hope we will double the kids in summer camp next year, it's always a joy to see the smiles and fun they are having at the school.

-𝘔𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘰𝘳𝘪 𝘊𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘯'𝘴 𝘏𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘦

It's that time again, fresh off the heels of our momentous graduation. This year we had 25 students graduate 🎓 The event, and what an event it was, is always a sentimental and memorable occasion for me. As I watch each student walk towards the receiving line I feel joy and pride for the accomplishment of yet another successful school year but more so for each and every one of my bright children.

The ceremony was quite lovely. Our students kicked off the program with a string of musical performances and a poem. After my remarks, we even had a couple of parents and a grandparent spontaneously stand up and 🎤 speak their praises of the school and the top-notch level of care and education their children have received at Montessori Children's House. We were really blessed to have a live, communal ceremony this year, as the last two years we had drive-by ceremonies due to COVID restrictions.

My goal next year is to increase the number of graduates and to have a formal alumni association. Our children have gone on to pursue their dreams including higher education at various institutions, even Harvard. We would love to remain a home-base for them in their journies and link past students and families to current ones in a way to positively impact our surrounding community.

Well that just about wraps this up, and as a sweet parting gift, we gave the graduates a 🍪 cookie decorated with our logo. We would give you one, but the kids loved them so much we will have to wait until next year. Thanks for taking the time to hear about one of the most special events we hold at our school, Montessori Children’s House.

-Effie Saifi; Montessori Children's House

𝘋𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘍𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘴,
It took me a while to bring myself to speak out on the horrific tragedy at Uvalde. As the owner and administrator of my very own Montessori school, devoting my life to serving our community’s children, I was crushed. I cannot imagine the immense pain the parents, teachers and other students at Uvalde are dealing with during this time.

It is my hope and prayer that they find peace and can begin to restructure a new life while keeping the memories of their loved ones thriving. Uvalde wasn’t the first, but why should public officials not do everything in their power to make sure it is the last? There are many factors for public officials to consider including security and the school’s exposure to strangers. Our school’s safety is one of the reasons we are fighting eminent domain. We need to make sure we are as sheltered as possible from anyone who has ill intensions. I also pray that our city officials will recognize this threat to our school and make the right choice.

With a heavy heart I am sending love to all of those who have been so tremendously affected by the shootings at Uvalde.

-𝑬𝒇𝒇𝒊𝒆 𝑺𝒂𝒊𝒇𝒊; Montessori Children's House

Hi Good People,
We've been away for a while, but we wanted to SPRING back up and let you know what we have been up to with our school, Montessori Children's House, over the past year.

✔️We have restarted our music, dance, gymnastics, tap and ballet classes back in October. We are so excited to give our children more opportunities to use their energy in creative and artistic ways.

✔️We have regained 95% of our staff in the aftermath of COVID closure and restrictions. We are so happy to have our staff back and provide more robust resources for your children.

✔️We are approaching our May graduation and have increased our enrollment. This is great. We are seeing a trend that is leaning to more parents like yourself giving children a rich learning environment and experience.

-Montessori Children's House
-𝘗𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘰𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘵𝘺 𝘙𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴

Hello Friends and Supporters,
We want to sincerely thank you for all the support and backing you've given us this past year. It has been quite the year and we couldn't have pushed past some of the hurdles without your kind words and concerns. It felt good having you championing us in the corner. Wishing you a very safe New Year in 2022❣

🗳 We want to take the time out to say 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒖𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝑱𝒐𝒉𝒏 𝑴𝒖𝒏𝒔 𝒐𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒘𝒊𝒏! Welcome Mayor to your new role. We are excited to see your plans and works for the City of Plano.

We also want to say to Mayor Harry LaRosiliere we wish you well in your future endeavors.

John Muns for Plano Mayor

Hi Friends,
It's been a few weeks since we've been in touch 😊 but we wanted to 𝒔𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒍𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝑳𝒐𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒇𝒊𝒍𝒆 𝑷𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒐.

ʀᴇᴀᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ᴀʀᴛɪᴄʟᴇ ʙᴇʟᴏᴡ
📰 https://localprofile.com/2021/04/28/plano-montessori-school-verifies-property-rights-petition-through-third-party-what-happens-next/

Factual statements, as run by The Associated Press. Friends, please share!

https://apnews.com/press-release/pr-newswire/eminent-domain-voter-registration-plano-property-rights-0690db6defdcd082e410a8b8732fb1d3

Planoites for Property Rights Releases an Expert Report Confirming the Plano Eminent Domain Petition Was More Than Sufficient Press release content from PR Newswire. The AP news staff was not involved in its creation.

𝑾𝒆𝒍𝒍 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒅𝒊𝒅𝒏'𝒕 𝒈𝒐 𝒂𝒔 𝒘𝒆 𝒉𝒂𝒅 𝒉𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒑𝒓𝒂𝒚𝒆𝒅 𝒇𝒐𝒓...💔 We had a second special meeting last night with the City of Plano council members. The meeting was quite interesting, lots of misinformation. We anticipated the council members to either adopt our new ordinance or put it on the ballot for November. Unfortunately, neither of those happened. Somehow the TRUTH got lost and ultimately DENIED.

However, pushing forward WE NEED you to SHARE THE NEWS COVERAGE and 🗣 get the word out to as many people about the continued fight we are up against. We have been working so hard and are 𝑬𝑿𝑻𝑹𝑬𝑴𝑬𝑳𝒀 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑼𝑻𝑻𝑬𝑹𝑳𝒀 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒌𝒇𝒖𝒍 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒖𝒑𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕 you have shown us. For each and every signature we received we thank you with our whole hearts❣❣❣❣

𝐀𝐆𝐀𝐈𝐍 𝐰𝐞 𝐇𝐔𝐌𝐁𝐋𝐘 𝐚𝐬𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐄 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐏𝐎𝐒𝐓, that's it...click to share and here are some of the local news stations 📺 and 🗞 outlets sharing our story

📰 NewBreak - https://www.newsbreak.com/channels/briefings


📰 Daily Plano News - https://dailyplanonews.com/efforts-to-restrict-the-significant-domain-in-plano-booths-after-the-petition-fail/

📰 https://patch.com/texas/plano/preschool-owners-battling-city-plano-over-eminent-domain-4-years

📰 https://communityimpact.com/dallas-fort-worth/plano/government/2021/04/20/plano-petition-seeking-eminent-domain-special-election-falls-short-of-requirements/?type=article&utm_source=newsletter&utm_campaign=newsletter_article
📰 https://localprofile.com/2021/04/16/plano-montessori-school-clashes-with-city-over-eminent-domain-issue/
📰 https://www.kctv5.com/preschool-owners-battling-city-over-eminent-domain-for-4-years/article_8cc71072-fb4b-5af2-82cb-3734769b98ab.html
📰 https://ktvz.com/news/national-world/2021/04/19/preschool-owners-battling-city-over-eminent-domain-for-4-years/
📰 https://parkcities.bubblelife.com/community/club_aud/library/350709830/key/355109272/Could_You_Lose_Your_Property_to_Eminent_Domain

Many of you have been watching, listening and kindly supporting us. We must tell you that we were very disappointed, not only because we did not get what we expected but because of the wrongdoing and wrong saying by some members of our own government. The same government who is supposed to protect us.

Thank you all for your endless support either speaking at meetings or sending us kind messages.

“You may have to fight a battle more than once to win.” --Margaret Thatcher

https://ktvz.com/news/national-world/2021/04/19/preschool-owners-battling-city-over-eminent-domain-for-4-years/

Preschool owners battling city over eminent domain for 4 years - KTVZ Click here for updates on this story PLANO, Texas (KTVT) — Effie Saifi says she and her family have been in the fight of their lives against the city of Plano to protect the Montessori Children’s House Daycare and Preschool, which she says has been her dream ever since opening 17 years a...

https://parkcities.bubblelife.com/community/club_aud/library/350709830/key/355109272/Could_You_Lose_Your_Property_to_Eminent_Domain

Great article by Dr. Laurie Bornstein. We thank her for putting in the time.
🙏Laurie McCampbell Bornstein

Could You Lose Your Property to Eminent Domain? FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friends of Plano’s Montessori Children’s House (MCH), a preschool, have prepared a ballot initiative for a new City of Plano Ordinance...

https://localprofile.com/2021/04/16/plano-montessori-school-clashes-with-city-over-eminent-domain-issue/

Plano Montessori School Clashes with City Over Eminent Domain Issue - Local Profile A local montessori school is locked in a fierce battle with the City of Plano over the difficult question of eminent domain.

Preschool Owners Battling City Of Plano Over Eminent Domain For 4 Years Plano wants to put in a hike and bike trail that would connect Russell Creek Park and Hoblitzelle Park trails.

Many thanks to Jack Fink CBS 11 & Channel 11 for covering our very important story. Show your support for Montessori Children's House & property rights by sharing / posting / commenting!

https://dfw.cbslocal.com/2021/04/16/preschool-owners-plano-eminent-domain-years/

Preschool Owners Battling City Of Plano Over Eminent Domain For 4 Years Plano wants to put in a hike and bike trail that would connect Russell Creek Park and Hoblitzelle Park trails.

Hey Friends,
We want to share this 𝐌𝐈𝐋𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐍𝐄 day with you. We have put our lives on hold to focus efforts on saving our school. With your help and all of your support we took those notarized petition signatures and presented them to the City of Plano 🏢 Friday, April 9th.

Now we are looking forward to getting a decision early next week from the council. They will finish finalizing the count and verification of the signatures. 𝙒𝙚 𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙙𝙖𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙗𝙚𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙜𝙣𝙞𝙯𝙚𝙙 𝙗𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙘𝙞𝙡.

❤️❤️❤️....and a HUGE thanks to our amazing volunteers who have tirelessly worked with us to present this ordinance. Countless hours have been spent, and feet on the ground activists standing up for justice and 🗳 voting for Property rights and against government overreach...