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Schools

District Addresses Questions About Proposal to Sell Seaford Avenue School

Referendum vote on proposal to sell former elementary school property for condominium project set for Oct. 16.

As the Seaford School District prepares to put forth a referendum to registered voters to sell the Seaford Avenue School and property to BK at Seaford, LLC for approximately $5 million on Oct. 16, the following is a list of questions and answers to inform residents about the details of the proposal and what it means for the future of the school district.

The Seaford Avenue School building, which was built in the late 1930s and last educated Seaford students in 1981, was leased to Five Towns College from 1982 to 1992 and to Nassau BOCES from 1992 to 2010. The building has been vacant for the last two years.

An informational meeting on the Oct. 16 referendum vote is scheduled for Oct. 4 in the Seaford High School Auditorium. 

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Q- Why are we selling the Seaford Avenue School building and property?

A-Without any current or foreseeable income in the future from the property the District can no longer afford to absorb the cost of maintenance and expect residents to make up for the loss of yearly income. We expect to save about $100,000 in yearly maintenance costs and expect another $500,000 in yearly property tax revenue from the residents who purchase the units.

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Q-Why not wait until the real estate market improves to sell the property?

A-For every year the district waits it will continue to pay maintenance costs on the building and land, and lose out on property tax revenues that will come from the proposed residences. For example, if we wait two years and receive one million more dollars for the property, we will have lost one million dollars in tax revenue and also would have spent $200,000 on maintenance costs. 

Q-What will the District do with the proceeds from the sale of the property?

A-The net revenue from the sale after commissions and other adjustments will be placed in a reserve fund as is required by New York State law.

Q-What happens to the money after it is placed in the reserve fund?

A-The Board of Education is required to use the funds over a period of up to 10 years.

Q-What will the reserve money be used for?

A-The Board of Education will have the responsibility each year to decide what amount of the reserve will be used as the budget is prepared. It is planned that this additional revenue will enable the district to retain, restore or expand programs for students and make needed facility repairs/ improvements while complying with the New York State property tax cap.

Q-When the District receives tax revenue from the proposed condominiums, how will the additional revenue be used?

A-The additional tax revenue generated by the new residences becomes part of the existing tax base of the district when developing the budget each year and hopefully will enable us to retain, restore and advance student programs.

Q-Is the District responsible for any costs in taking the building down?

A-No, the contract makes BK at Seaford, LLC responsible for all costs involved in the demolition of the existing building.

Q-What does BK at Seaford, LLC envision for the property?

A-The plan is to build between 100 and 113 condominium units. The units will be designated as housing for residents 55 years of age or older. Initially, current Seaford residents and their parents will be offered purchase opportunities prior to non-Seaford residents. First floor units will feature 1,000 sq. feet of living space and a 1,000 square-foot. basement, which can be finished. Second floor units will have a private elevator, cathedral ceilings, 1,000 square feet of living space and an approximately 300 square-foot loft. All units have two bedrooms and two full bathrooms.  The community will have a central clubhouse, including a fitness center and outdoor pool. The selling prices of the units will be in the $350,000-$400,000 range. 

Q- What happens if the proposition passes?

A-BK at Seaford, LLC will have the responsibility of gaining all of the necessary zoning approvals and variances for the project from the Town of Hempstead. The builder will not seek any tax relief from the Town for the residences and will not offer any subsidized units.

Q- Will the condominiums become rental units if not sold?

A-NO, the builder has expressed that these units are being built solely for sale. This will be specified by covenant with the Town of Hempstead. The builders are confident in their ability to sell all of the units and have said they would not be buying the property if they did not believe the units would sell. 

Q-Will there be parking problems in the area with all of new residents?

A-All units will have adequate parking spots which are located inside the development. This should reduce any parking issues in the surrounding area.

Q-What about additional traffic?

A-While there may be a small increase in overall traffic, it is expected that this will be spread out over the course of a day. Currently there are bottlenecks in the area during the times that the fields are used when people park on both sides of Waverly Avenue. With parking inside of the development this will alleviate the issue around parking.

Q-Do we expect increased enrollment of students from these units?

A-Although the condominiums will be for residents 55 years of age and older, there is no restriction against children residing in the community. The expectation is that the projected student enrollment increases will be minimal and easily managed and absorbed in our current schools.

Q-Why doesn’t the district consider demolishing the building and maintaining the property itself?

A-Due to environmental issues the cost of the demolition of the building is in excess of $2 million dollars. Maintaining a vacant property brings no revenue into the district.

Q-Why doesn’t the district consider having the Town or County take over the property?

A-We engaged the town in this discussion two years ago and they had no interest. The financial situation in the county makes that possibility unrealistic.

Q-If no playing fields remain at the Seaford Avenue School where will those youth organizations go to play?

A-Nassau County and the Town of Hempstead provide excellent all weather fields at Washington Avenue Park, Cedar Creek Park and Seaman’s Neck Park.  The Seaford Harbor School athletic fields are also available and currently underutilized.

Q-What if the proposal is not approved?

A-If the Board made a decision to market the property again they would need to enter into a contract with an agent and begin the marketing process from the beginning. Keep in mind that the district would continue to pay for annual maintenance on the building and property of approximately $100,000 and would not receive any revenue from: a. the proceeds from the sale and b. the tax revenue.

Q-Where can I get more information about the sale of the property?

A-Please refer to the district website at: www.seaford.k12.ny.us where all current information will be posted.  For more information about BK at Seaford, LLC, please visit: http://www.engelburman.com.

Q-Do I have to be a registered voter to vote on the referendum?

A-Yes. To register to vote or to obtain an absentee ballot, please call the District Clerk, Carmen Ouellette at 592-4013 by October 9. All Seaford residents 18 years of age or older are encouraged to vote.

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