To the Clarkstown Community,
This letter is sent as a reminder to be sure everyone is informed and aware of the very important need to participate, and cast your vote, to repair and restore Congers Elementary School.
Date of Vote: Tuesday February 4, 2014
Time: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Voting Location: Lakewood Elementary School, 77 Lakewood Ave.
Congers Elementary’s fortress-like building needs to be preserved for children of our residents as well as the future stability of the community. It is the focal point and center of Congers. I wouldn’t even want to harbor a guess as to what could result if this large, central piece of property, were to be permanently closed and torn down or sold off. Elementary aged children, local businesses, and all homeowners would be victims. One of our prominent local real estate experts warned all property values served by the Clarkstown School District will be negatively impacted by failure of this bond, signaling lack of support for our community school concept, long a hallmark and strong selling feature of Clarkstown.
The official figures concerning cost follow: New York State educational reimbursement for emergency repair work is (55.1 percent). With this, the net cost for a home in Clarkstown valued at $440,000 would be $10 per year. Without this reimbursement , cost would be a mere $26 annually. We believe this to be a fair and reasonable cost to preserve our community.
It is also critical we contact our many friends and acquaintances in other sections of Clarkstown to help us retain our school with their yes vote. Anyone vacationing or unable to make it to the polling place on Feb. 4th can vote by absentee ballot. (www.cssd.edu) or call 845-639-6455 to arrange. Applications for absentee ballots must reach the district clerk seven days prior to vote. Volunteers will also be available to provide rides to the polling place. Call 845-230-7722 to arrange transportation.
Sincerely,
Gerry O’Rourke
President, Congers Civic Association
“The official figures concerning cost follow: New York State educational reimbursement for emergency repair work is (55.1 percent). With this, the net cost for a home in Clarkstown valued at $440,000 would be $10 per year. Without this reimbursement , cost would be a mere $26 annually. We believe this to be a fair and reasonable cost to preserve our community.”
* State Aid has been denied so $10 annually is no longer possible. The $26 annually is based on a home valued at $440,000 *