The dilapidated Carnegie library building in front of the Kingston High School gas been given a second chance. Voters approved a $3.58 million proposal to convert the historic landmark into an art and tech center.
With plenty of publicity regarding the significance of Tuesdays vote, we can only assume the general public was in favor or wasn't concerned either way. Only about 3,200 votes were cast out of a district with an enormous electorate.
Superintendent Gerard Gretzingertold the Freeman: "I’m excited for the opportunity for our students and community.” I think a vast majority of the district is looking forward to the renovation of what was once a jewel of a library right on Broadway, when the cry for help in the three business districts is at it's loudest.So, a year from now, after all the plans are reviewed, they'll start the year long process of refurbishing what's left of a shamefully abandoned building. I can recall numerous times that the Mayor and I discussed the need to do something with it and our Assemblyman Kevin Cahill has offered suggestions on a yearly basis since Ive been on the council.
The Center for Creative Education, headed by Evry Mann, will lease the space from the school district for 15 years. and, combined with the City of Kingston's CDBG allotment of $200K, the State Education Department's share of the cost will be roughly 60%.
With the High School campus located squarely in Ward Nine, I am always interested in any upgrades that can be harnessed for improvement in this neighborhood. The sudden interest in the Broadway corridor by civilian and business groups this year gives me the sense, that the Council will finally have some backing on long sought after Renaissance in our business community.
I welcome the faith that the voting public has shown the school administration in pledging support for the renovation of the Carnegie.
4 comments:
Alderman Mike- great post- but you have to realize that you are in complete disagreement with Thomas Jefferson who validated his comments: "you can not trust the masses". Oh well- seriously- any progress on Ch 20 being utilized by the other components of the Education and Government?- ie. UCCC, Ulster Legislature, and our own Council- who should be able to return to the air without the benefit of CH 23- public access station?
Shelly Z
What a shame this passed! Mark my words, they will be asking for more money to get this project completed.This is what was done for City Hall,The Police-Court building,The Jail project,the starting price is low, it gets started, then they tell us we have to give more money or the project will only be half done.We as suckers, fall for this over and over!!!
A positive, thoughtful step for our children and the city. It's good to see the people got out to vote.
8:09, out from the dark ages. Kingston is changing. It isn't all 'good old boys'. The people behind this project are just and good. Let's give them a chance.
If they fail, then it's 5 bucks out of your pocket a year.
Pipe down.
I'm really not sure what Shelly's point is but I know I can ask him and I always learn something.
This Chan 20 does bluntly address the Taxpayer support of Public access, doesn't it.
There's no way around the fact that School Taxes, thru property owners in the district support and fund this station. Correct?...smitty
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