Notice of Public Hearing
Town of Virgil Notice of Public Hearing
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Town Board of the Town of Virgil will hold two public hearings to take public comment from town of Virgil residents regarding the future use of the Virgil Elementary School building after its closure in June. The Public Hearings will be held prior to the March and April regularly scheduled Town Board meetings and will take place on Thursday, March 14, 2019 and April 11,2019 at 6:00 pm at the Virgil Town Hall, 1176 Church Street, Virgil, New York. All interested parties will be heard, and written comments may be submitted prior to or at the hearing.
Alane Van Donsel
Virgil Town Clerk
Notes From One Committee Member
Notes From Sandy Price
Virgil School Usage Committee: from my notes and are my observations. Others on the committee may have additions.
The committee has met three times: November 20, January 15 and toured the school and those who could on February 5. I observed that the building is in excellent condition. Attendance at each meeting has been good each time indicating that there is interest in pursuing opportunities for future use of the school. Members contacted a wide variety of individuals, organizations and agencies.
Interest was shown from many however with the uncertainty of availability so no firm commitments were made. Ideas suggested, explored or investigated were:
1. Family Health Network
2. Boys and girls club
3. Community private school
4. Sports academy
5. Town of Virgil community center
6. Charter school
7. Nursing home
8. Daycare
9. Town hall
10. Negotiate to keep it as Virgil school
11. Charter school satellite with Truxton
12. Cortland County
13. CAPCO
14. Library
15. Nursing home
16. Senior housing
17. Use gym for exercise and a sport practice facility
18. Before and after school program
19. Storage facility
20. Apartments
21. New secure court room and separate rooms for victims and lawyers
22. Rent out rooms for hand grafters, artists, and kitchen
23. Senior center
24. Emergency shelter with generator
25. Historical room and displays
26. Health club
27. Town park
28. Music/ voice lessons
29. Tutoring
30. Back up 911 center
31. Satellite sheriff/ state police office
32. Rent offices
33. Sell the present town hall and move all services there, have a town park with the walking path and expand community activities. Possibly rent out rooms for offices, hand crafters and many of the things listed above to enhance the quality of life in our town.
Two possibilities that would take some time is a usage feasibility study by Cornell students and a private entity that was interested in converting to housing with community activities (Al Kryger made those contacts).
Also at least one possibly two developers are interested.
Although there was no formal vote the consensus with maybe the exception of two wanted the proposal to go for referendum with pros and cons developed and publicized ahead of time. Additionally comparisons of expenses at both the town hall and the school should be compiled.
Additionally our own Senator Jim Seward had pledged to see if there was any state money to help offset any costs.
My personal recommendation is for the town to take ownership and further explore the feasibility of a town hall/ community center. If that doesn't pan out the town then can have control of what use it can or cannot be.
A vote on a date to be determined will be the deciding factor. Please give thoughtful consideration to the vision some of us have and vote yes. Thank you.
Respectfully submitted,
Sandy Price