Watkins Glen CSD to develop empty lot next to IMRRS
WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (WENY) -- After voters slimly approved a referendum for Watkins Glen Central School District to purchase an empty lot next to the International Motor Racing Research Center, the school says they plan to develop the land into something children can use.
"We're pretty excited that... it's back in district hands and we're excited to see what it [becomes]," said Kai D'Alleva, the Superintendent of Watkins Glen Central School District.
Originally, the racing research center planned to expand their premises into the lot, which never actually materialized. Because of that, the center approached the school district wanting to resell the empty lot.
Now that the lot is back in the district's hands, the superintendent says he wants to do something for the children of the community.
"Our ultimate goal is to create something great for kids. No matter what it is, we want it to be something great," D'Alleva, said. "We really wanted (it) to serve a dual purpose where it serves the students during the school day and serves our community outside of the school day."
In order to figure out what to build on the lot, the district will have a public input period to debate what they should build. Planning on what the school decides on will not start until 2024, with construction beginning possibly in the Spring of 2025.
D'Alleva says he does not think the upcoming project will effect the tax payer bill in the district.
The sale of the lot is expected to be finalized this Summer.