Is the mechitza necessary? Perhaps not.
But if it makes the women who attend more comfortable, its something that should be provided. They make plenty of sacrafices for the advancement of torah, and $250k is a small price to pay to make them feel appreciated.
And, Zahavasdad – You made a type-o. At $50, its a $4 million venue. Agudah is not doing this for the $$$ .