Complex will cost $3 million

Dec 05, 2008 at 01:01 pm by Observer-Review


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Complex will cost $3 million

WATKINS GLEN—The Watkins Glen village board signed an agreement with Schuyler County for a new 27,000-square-foot complex that will house both village and county public works offices and shops.
Construction is expected to begin in February on the structure at the south end of Decatur Street.
Village Clerk Donna Beardsley said the agreement will clear the way to award contracts for construction and to borrow money to finance part of the $3 million project. The borrowed funds will be repaid over 20 years, she said.
Beardsley said the village and the county will each contribute $500,000 toward the initial costs of the complex. The village will be responsible for repaying about 35 percent of the borrowed funds based on the amount of space it will occupy in the steel-frame buiding.
Mark Specchio, public works superintendent, said the village share of the bond issue is expected to be about $370,000.
The village board also approved the new rates proposed by Michelle Hyde, parks manager.
Under the new fee schedule, daily campers will pay $38, up from $37 last year.
The weekly rate will go from $235 to $240, the monthly rate from $625 to $650 and the July/August rate from $650 to $675.
Campsites for the full season, which runs from mid-May to mid-October, will cost either $1,750 (up from $1,700) or $1,850 (up from $1,800).
Tent camping will cost $25 per day or $130 per week, which is unchanged from last year.
“These (rates) are very reasonable,” said Trustee Bill Smagner.
The charges cover use by four persons and include electric, water and sewer service. A $3 daily fee is charged for each additional person.
Reservations will be taken beginning in January, Hyde said.
More information on Clute Park camping is available at www.watkinsglen.us/parks.htm.
Mayor Judy Phillips said the village tries to avoid taking business away from commercial campgrounds.
“We do not want to undercut the private campgrounds,” she said.
Specchio also announced that the pickup of loose leaves will continue through Friday (Dec. 5). After that date, leaves left at the curb must be bagged, he said.
The board took no action on a suggestion by Trustee Nick Kelly that enforcement of odd/even parking regulations be suspended on Thanksgiving and Christmas each year.
“I think we can give the people a break for two days a year and then harass them the rest,” Kelly said.
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