Seniors Weigh In On Proposed Athletic Complex

There's no doubt that the Lynbrook community has mixed feelings about using $4.6 million of the Lynbrook School District's capital reserve money to fund the proposed by the Lynbrook Board of Education.

And the story was no different at a meeting of the Senior Citizens Club of Lynbrook at the village Recreation Center on Wednesday, where Lynbrook Patch asked members their thoughts on the proposal.

"I'd say the seniors will be against it," said one member, who wished to be identified only as "Caimel." "It's a lot of money to go into one project when there are other things that need to get done. I don't think one project should get all [the funding]."

Other projects include installation of air conditioning in some sections of Lynbrook elementary schools; getting an elevator and possibly a music room addition at North Middle School; some new lighting at Lynbrook High School; and new gymnasium doors at South Middle School. Residents have said that many of these projects have been put off for some time, and should take precedent over the proposed athletic complex.

Grace, a member of the senior club and 35-year resident, is one such resident.

"Kids need the elevators," she said. "I'm the mother of a disabled child.

Grace said she understood that using the capital reserve fund would not affect school taxes, she said that at some point, the fund will have to be replenished.

"And who do you think is going to replace that?" she asked of the other seniors sitting at her table. "Your taxes and my taxes."

Technically, the capital reserve fund is replenished using money from other projects that come in under budget. This money can only be used for capital  projects — it cannot be used for district programs, extracurricular activities, or salaries.

This is a main reason why one-half of the Board of Education supports using the capital reserve fund for the athletic complex, rather than issuing a bond or budgeting it as a line item — the latter two would result in a tax increase for residents.

But to use the capital reserve money, the board must have the community's support. The proposal will appear as a separate referendum on the May 17 ballot.

Not all seniors spoke against the proposal. Many felt that, while expensive, a new athletic complex would be great for the students of future generations.

"I'll go along with it," said Theresa Cuccia, an 11-year resident. "It sounds good for the children. It keeps them active, keeps them involved and off the street. It's worth it."

Cuccia's friend, 14-year resident Marie Gonnelly, agreed.

"We don't have little ones," she said. "But they are important, too."

For more information about the proposed athletic complex, check out the Patch story . There's also a meeting tonight (April 27) at 7:30 p.m. at the high school. You can ask questions about the proposal during a public comment period at the end of the meeting.