By DOUG LA ROCQUE
Capital Region Independent Media
NEW LEBANON–For nearly a year the New Lebanon Town Board has been debating the purchase of the former Lebanon Valley Protective Association (LVPA) firehouse at 523 U.S. Route 20 for use as a continued community center. That debate often centered around price, of course, the current usage levels, what renovations would be needed as well as what would the town do with the building if they were in the future to close or move the community center. The town has been leasing the building for the center since earlier this year.
Since the discussion about the purchase started, it was apparent the board was split three to two, with the majority in favor. In opposition were town board members Craig Skerkis and Elizabeth Kroboth. Those supporting the purchase were Supervisor Tistrya Houghtling along with board members Steve Powers and Susan Tipograph. Mr. Skerkis and Ms. Kroboth indicated they could not justify the cost to the need, and claimed there were other places to house the free store and the senior center, and perhaps other locations as well for the community center. The other board members touted the success of these functions at the site as well as the children’s programs and the community gatherings. When the vote to purchase was taken at an October 17 special meeting, it was approved by the expected three to two margin.
In a press release this past week, Supervisor Houghtling noted, “Less than 24 hours after the purchase, the center welcomed about 70 members of the Lebanon Valley Seniors for a Halloween Party.” The release also noted that just one day later, more than 100 residents of all ages attended a Paint and Carve Pumpkin Party. One pumpkin per person was provided by the center, courtesy of Woodlife Farm Market and Kinderhook Creek Farm.
Speaking of the purchase, Supervisor Houghtling said, “I am so excited for the opportunity to utilize the community center on a full-time basis. A huge thank you to the LVPA for allowing us to run a trial community center for three days a week for the past year.”
Before the board could approve the purchase, they had to do what is called due diligence steps that included water testing, a title search, an appraisal, lead and asbestos survey. At the meeting, Supervisor Houghtling went through the results one by one. She noted the NYS Department of Health said they did not require a public water system but the tests done on the water found no problems. She said they will, however, continue to use bottled water for drinking.
The title search came back clean. As to the appraisal, it was found the worth of the structure was $400,000. The agreed purchase price was $375,000, a reduction by the LPVA of $25,000. Councilman Skerkis brought up a comparable building he claimed was assessed for less.
The surveys found some lead-based paint on an exterior wall and asbestos in the floor tiles as well as the garage door and window caulking. Town Engineer Paul McCreary stated that state regulations indicate they do not have to remove any of the asbestos unless it is in the path of any proposed construction. Supervisor Houghtling indicated no such construction was planned. She also said they have received an estimate of $35,000 for the removal, if they were to find the need to do so in the future. Mr. Skerkis then asked the LVPA if they would entertain as $35,000 price reduction. The answer from LVPA President Ed Godfroy was No.
Last year the board appropriated $300,000 to rebuild the splash pad in Shatford Park, but the cost estimate greatly exceeded the available funds and the project was canceled. Those funds were placed in the town’s unexpended fund balance, which is currently over $900,000. That $300,000 plus another $75,000 from the fund balance will be used to write the check for the purchase for the community center.
Following the October 17 meeting, Mr. Godfroy signed the purchase agreement with the town.
