Two meetings scheduled to review Haverling's $18M building project
By ROB PRICE THE COURIER-ADVOCATE

PHOTO BY ROB PRICE Security cameras and electronic locks would be installed at Haverling school doorways under a capital project proposal voters will consider later this month.

BATH - Haverling school district voters have an opportunity this week to review details of a proposed $18 million building project at a public information session scheduled for 7 p.m. Dec. 4 in the high school auditorium.

A second informational session will be held Dec. 12 also at 7 p.m. in the same location.

A district-wide vote on the project will be held from noon to 8 p.m. Dec. 18 in the auditorium of the Haverling Middle School.

Voters will see two propositions on the ballot, the first proposing an $18 million capital project that includes the purchase of five properties on Charles Street; renovation of school facilities; upgrades in security, and improvements to the school athletic fields.

The second proposition is contingent on the passage of the first proposal and if approved would authorize the school district to install artificial turf at the football field and purchase maintenance equipment at a cost not to exceed

1 million.

School Superintendent Marion Tunney last week said members of the school board chose to separate the second proposition from the first out of concern it would generate sufficient controversy to jeopardize the primary building project.

"People have strong feelings one way or another, so we didn't want it to be extremely influential," she said. "And yet we also wanted

"People have strong feelings one way or another, so we didn't want it to be extremely influential," she said. "And yet we also wanted it to be an option."

Tunny said the artificial turf would allow the school district to get more use out of the football field, which currently is used only for football games. With artifical turf, the field would be available for football practices, lacrosse games and practices, gym classes, and field days, she said.

Tunney also noted the projects qualify both for state building aid and additional EXCEL aid. Taxpayers also would benefit from New York state STAR program exemptions.

If both propositions are approved, they would have the following tax impact on a house valued at $50,000:

• With basic STAR, the project would add $1 to annual school taxes.

• With enhanced STAR, available for senior citizens, the project would have no impact on annual school taxes.

If only the first proposition is passed, it would have the following tax impact on a house valued at $50,000:

• With basic STAR, the project would add 80 cents annual school taxes.

• With enhanced STAR, the project would have no impact on annual school taxes.