Q. What projects are proposed?
A. Demolition and Replacement of the ‘Grey Barn’ – maintenance storage facility located on the East Street campus.
Q. Why does this work need to be done?
A. Age and Deterioration of Facility - The current structure is very old, dating back to the 1890s, and has outlived its useful life. The facility is unsafe and poses a safety risk not only for the equipment housed in it but also for our personnel. The district has temporarily stabilized the floor. This project has been discussed for many years, but up until now, we have not had the funding to take this on.
Q: Why does this storage facility need to exist at the Oneonta Middle School/High School?
A: The Middle School/High School Campus is a very large area that is constantly being maintained by our Buildings and Grounds Team. A lot of large/heavy equipment is housed in this facility. Although we do have a transportation/maintenance facility on Silas Lane, this is several miles away and would result in a great deal of inefficiency relative to the time taken to transport equipment daily and wasted fuel. While we understand that this is not an instructional facility, it is necessary to maintain our beautiful campus and support our students in their educational programs as well as the athletic program.
Q. How much will this work cost and how will we pay for it?
A. The total cost of this entire project is projected to be $1,453,000 to be paid for with Unappropriated Fund Balance. No additional annual tax levy would be necessary to fund this project. One-time funding sources have allowed us to save enough to replace this unstable facility.
Q. When can this work start?
A. After voter approval, the plans and specifications will need to be completed by the architects and engineers and will be submitted to New York State for approval. This process and approval from the state can take a little time. However, we are hopeful that this work can start in the Summer of 2023. The actual start date will be dependent on the ability to obtain materials and a contractor. Lead times for materials in the current environment have been delayed.
Q. How long will it take to do the work?
A. Depending on the variables associated with building projects, this work could take between six months and one year.
Q. Can we sell the wood from the existing structure?
A. Testing and analysis of the current structure have revealed the possibility of lead-containing paint and possible asbestos around the boarded-up windows. For this reason, the district would not support this method of demolition, as it would pose a great deal of liability and safety concerns.
Q. Will there be an opportunity for the public to attend a meeting about this project?
A. Yes. The OCSD will host an informational meeting, open to the public, on Wednesday, July 27, 2022 at 5:45 PM in the Belden Auditorium, located in the Oneonta High School.