Millbrook voters reject Central School capital improvements

AMENIA — Residents voted to reject Capital Project plans for repairs and upgrades throughout the Central School District’s buildings at a special referendum vote held on Tuesday, Nov. 19.

Plans developed over the past three years by local officials in conjunction with BBS Architects of Patchogue, New York, were described in public forums, mailings, and available for viewing on the district’s website. Three separate but contingent propositions were developed, designed to be a clear and effective description of the district’s need for repair and code compliance while upgrading for the future.

“The results of our recent Capital Project vote are truly disappointing,” said district superintendent Caroline Hernandez Pidala, commenting on the referendum on Thursday, Nov. 21.

“This administration is committed to improving the conditions of the buildings in order to maintain the health, safety and security of our learning environment. We will regroup and design a new path forward as doing nothing is not an option; our facilities remain in dire need of repair,” Hernandez Pidala said.

Proposition 1, with a vote count of 242 Yes and 287 No, came the closest to success, addressing repairs to Elm Drive School and the Middle School. All three propositions involved improvements to the heating and ventilation systems throughout the district with the Middle School to gain roof and window replacement. ADA-compliant elevator assistance for the handicapped was also included in the Middle School planning toward code compliance.

The margin for Proposition 2 (Alden Place School repair) was greater with 222 voting Yes and 308 voting No. Similarly Proposition 3 (High School repair) was defeated by a margin of 219 voting Yes and 310 voting No.