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Another look: How to save the Gazebo?

Board of Ed gets involved

Another look: How to save the Gazebo?
The Save the Gazebo float, shown here, was very popular in this year’s holiday Parade of Lights in Millbrook. Photo by Judith O'Hara Balfe

MILLBROOK — Ashley Lempka, Chairwoman of the FRIENDS of the Save the Gazebo group, reported on Wednesday, Dec. 8, to the Millbrook Central School District (MCSD) that the Board of Education (BOE) had gotten back to her regarding questions she had about salvaging the aging garden structure. The Millbrook Gazebo has become a galvanizing issue in the village and one that the BOE discussed at its meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 7.   

The MCSD learned it’s actually the owner of the Gazebo, which is located near Elm Drive Elementary School. Questions had arisen about whether the district owned the structure or the village of Millbrook did. But yes, MCSD is the rightful owner.

Now the question the MCSD is asking is whether it should be torn down, and if so, of if it should be replaced? Many in the community believe it has an important place in the village’s history, while others claims it’s in an eyesore and in a sorry state. It is currently closed and some think it should remain so.

The FRIENDS of  the Gazebo arose as a nonprofit group created to save the site. The 501(C)3 is trying to work with the MCSD on measures to preserve it.

Lempka had presented some questions to the district about the group obtaining a 99-year lease for the Gazebo and other was to save the structure. The question about the lease has gone unanswered. Another question also unaddressed is  from the president of the American Country House Foundation, who offered to provide surveying services for the Gazebo.

Yet another query was made about the possibility of purchasing the Gazebo and the small plot of land it sits on. Lempka said she was told that idea is not currently being considered and that any divestiture of real property would require voter authorization.

One problem was settled, however; the MCSD will provide maintenance for the Gazebo during the winter.

Asked if there would be tax write-offs for those who send in donations to repair the Gazebo, the BOE said tax deductions could be available through either direct donations to the district or through a proxy donation through a charitable organization (like the Millbrook Educational Foundation).  

The FRIENDS also asked about getting an independent assessment and their own inspection of the Gazebo. The MCSD replied any work done must comply with state building codes. 

“We will be having the Gazebo assessed along with all of our school buildings, grounds and related structures during a comprehensive architectural and engineering assessment in the coming months,” stated the MCSD. “This will ensure that the Gazebo assessment is in line with the codes under which the district is responsible to adhere to.”  

Lempka indicated it will  take time to learn what the future holds for this much-loved structure, and the FRIENDS will support along the way.

Judith O'Hara Balfe

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