Eldred facilities upgrades planned

Anya Tikka
Posted 8/21/12

GLEN SPEY, NY — Although the proposed upgrades to both schools in the Eldred Central School District would mean a hike in school property taxes, only a handful of residents came to the public …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in

Eldred facilities upgrades planned

Posted

GLEN SPEY, NY — Although the proposed upgrades to both schools in the Eldred Central School District would mean a hike in school property taxes, only a handful of residents came to the public hearing October 2, where Superintendent Robert Dufour presented the final proposal, complete with artist’s rendering of the new sports fields and other improvements. After an executive session, the board agreed unanimously to support the plan; but in order for it to happen, the next step is a referendum.

“Basically, the purpose of the review is to look at the state of the infrastructure and our facilities, to assess whatever needs to be done here,” Dufour said at the beginning of the PowerPoint presentation. The plan is the result of a review of facilities mandated by the state every five years, and parts of it reflect mandatory safety repairs and upgrades.

The plan as presented will cost $5.5 million, and although the upgrades and improvements are split into five categories according to priority, voters will not be given a choice of voting for one or two priorities. They will have to vote either “yes” or “no” to the proposed plan. John Tola, a representative of Savin Engineers, PC from Pleasantville, who prepared the plan, said, “Everything is packaged together to get the maximum school aid. State aid is 44.7% of the cost.”

Laurie Terri, a resident asked, “What happens if it goes down?”

Dufour replied, “State review is mandated. Some of the items on the plan have to be done. Engineers do recommendations based on their review, but we don’t have to take them.”

Board member Carol Bliefernick added, “If it doesn’t pass, we have to do some of them anyway.”

The estimated cost of all items for both schools in the first year adds up to $3,218,750, and includes repairs/upgrades to buildings and parking lots and other outside areas, as well as construction of new sports facilities at both Eldred Senior/Junior High School and George Ross Mackenzie Elementary School.

Some residents voiced doubts over the added cost, and the wisdom of using the money for something that’s not going to help the academic programs at school.

Glen Spey resident Martha Tully said, “We’re looking at a new tax hike. Probably, a lot that’s on here is a wish list. We should be focused on construction of buildings and making sure they’re safe, rather than coming out with new track, new bleachers, and a concession stand there.”

Board Vice Chair Amador Laput said he was solidly behind the plan, while Chair Doug Reiser said, “I have no idea if it will go through here.”

The referendum takes place on December 16 at the high school.

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here