Red Hook sets Oct. 22 vote for capital improvement propositions

 

The Red Hook Central School District will hold a special referendum vote in October to determine the future of capital improvement projects in and around each school building.

The three propositions put before voters will include two athletic field renovation projects.

The vote will be held noon to 9 p.m. Oct. 22 at the high school’s Performing Arts Center atrium, though absentee, military and early mail-in ballots will also be accepted.

The newly created propositions include projects that were part of an all-encompassing proposition declined by voters in May. Those projects are split into two propositions for the October ballot, with additional verbiage stipulating a proposed artificial turf multipurpose field can only be constructed using materials that are recyclable and do not include intentionally added forever chemicals. A third proposal introduces a new grass field restoration project on separate field space from where the turf would be installed.

Most of the projects are intended to increase the safety of district facilities, including those including the athletic facilities, which are used as educational spaces and are out of compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The two field proposals are not dependent on each other and voters can opt to approve both, neither or either of them separately. Under state regulations, both are dependent on voters approving Proposition No. 1.

Aid from New York State would cover 64.4% of the interior improvements covered in Proposition No. 1, and up to 64.4% of the exterior projects.

The Board of Education approved the propositions at its meeting Tuesday. Here’s what to know:

What’s in Proposition 1?

The proposal includes:

• Replacement of the high school’s gymnasium bleachers and wall padding, and renovation of its floor.
• New LED lighting for Red Hook High School and Mill Road Elementary School.
• Expanding and upgrading the air conditioning at Mill Road.
• Bolstering the boiler system at Linden Avenue Middle School.
• Expanding ease of access to the lockdown system in each school.
• Repairs to the four front columns of the Linden Avenue building.

The proposition would cost roughly $7.835 million, of which taxpayers would be responsible for $2.79 million.

The lighting upgrades are projected to save $30,486 annually at the middle school and $22,349 at the high school, with the savings projected to pay for the cost of the upgrades in six and eight years, respectively.

What’s in Proposition 2?

The proposal calls for the renovation of the main athletic field between the high and middle schools to create a multipurpose artificial turf space, which would include new lighting installation, a resurfacing of its track and repairs to perimeter fencing.

The proposition requires the field to be constructed “with recyclable materials” and “without the use of intentionally added PFAS.”

Previous propositions asking voters to approve an artificial turf field project did not include language promising the inclusion of such environmentally friendly materials, but advancements in the turf technology and increased awareness around the industry have made it possible for the district to do so.

The proposition would cost roughly $7.67 million, of which taxpayers would be responsible for $2.73 million.

What’s in Proposition 3?

The proposal would allow for the renovation of field space other than the main athletic field using natural grass.

The project, which would encompass approximately two of the five other athletic fields shared by the high and middle schools, includes the installation of drainage strategies meant to eliminate flooding issues. 

The proposition would cost roughly $5.475 million, of which taxpayers would be responsible for approximately $1.95 million with the maximum application of state aid.

Who can vote?

Any registered voter who resides within the boundaries of the school district can vote. Anyone who is not registered to vote can do so up until Oct. 15.

Anyone interested in obtaining an absentee, military or early mail-in ballot can request from the Office of the School District Clerk by Oct. 15 if it is to be mailed or by Oct. 21 if the ballot is being received by the voter in person. All absentee and early mail ballots must be received by the District Clerk by 5 p.m. Oct. 22.

Why is a field restoration project being proposed for the third time in three years?

The district believes years of overuse have rendered their six athletic fields less than safe, and out of ADA compliance. The six grass fields, including the main field within the track, are overly compact, patchy and prone to flooding – which not only causes postponements but also reduces the safety of the surface when in use. Officials believe improvements of some sort are needed to ensure student safety and accessibility.

Many district residents surveyed following the May vote said they would support, or may support an altered field proposal.

How do Propositions 2 and 3 differ?

While Proposition 2 addresses the need to upgrade the main athletic field shared by the high and middle schools, Proposition 3 would permit the district to make changes to other field spaces with no impact on the main field.

What would a multipurpose artificial field include?

The artificial surface that would be installed at the main field space would be lined for use by multiple outdoor sports, including soccer, football, lacrosse and field hockey. Currently, the grass field space is not big enough to host soccer games, due to a gutter around its perimeter to encourage drainage.

Athletic Director Tom Cassata said the turf field would be able to be used from morning to night by physical education classes, community organizations and the school’s athletics teams. Because each of the teams would be able to practice and compete on the field, with up to eight teams practicing a day, usage of the other fields would decrease dramatically, which would lead to their rejuvenation. 

The artificial turf system includes infrastructure under the surface includes cushioning and drainage. The surface itself would be level with the track, making it accessible for all student populations and safer.

The system would be recycled at the end of its lifespan and could be constructed of recycled materials.

How does this turf field project differ from past proposals?

While the features of the project are much the same, advances in turf technology now allow the district to state in the proposition’s legal language that any artificial materials used would not include intentionally added PFAS, or forever chemicals, and all would be recyclable. While district officials have, in the past, verbally assured that impact on the environment would be a paramount factor in any decisions made regarding turf, it can now support that promise in writing.

Why are the gymnasium renovations necessary?

The high school’s gym floor and bleachers are originals to the building’s 1963 opening and are likewise out of ADA compliance. Like the grass field outside, the gym floor has been repaired often over six decades. By Cassata’s count, there are 175 places where it is visible that nails were added to keep floorboards down.

The renovations would not only provide a new floor and bleachers that would be safe for all fans but the stage area on the south end of the court would be removed and replaced with more seating. That would create a safer situation for the players on the court who previously may collide with the stage’s knee wall.