The Goshen Central School District is seeking public input about potentially transferring ownership of district-owned property to the Village of Goshen.
What property?
The parcel of land is approximately two acres at the corner of Erie Street and Webster Avenue in Goshen, where Erie Street Park is located. The district owns the park property as well as the left-side field that runs along Webster Avenue. The Village owns the smaller field adjacent to the park’s right that is mainly used as a community soccer field.
Why?
Up until the early 1990s, the Erie Street property was owned entirely by the district. At that time, a large section was conveyed to the Village, who would now like to acquire the remaining parcel. According to Village of Goshen Mayor Molly O’Donnell, who spoke at the district’s Board of Education meeting on Sept. 3, the Village and Town would like to acquire full ownership in order to create a new and improved public park, citing up to half a million dollars in improvements including new equipment and basketball courts, a multi-purpose athletic field, park pavilion with bathroom facilities, improved and new lighting and more.
Does the community have a say?
Yes. Public approval is required in order for the district to transfer ownership to the Village via a public referendum or vote. At this time, district officials have not decided if a vote will be held – before a decision is made, they would first like to hear from the school community in order to gauge its feelings about the potential transfer.
Community members are invited to participate in a series of roundtable discussions later this fall (late September/early October). Meeting dates, times and locations will be announced as soon as they are known.
Can the district sell the property instead?
If the district listed the property for sale, it is unable to control how the land is developed under new ownership. Because the Village has shared its intent to improve the existing public park, district officials prefer to transfer ownership of the property to them, if approved by the community. The Village would cover any costs associated with a public referendum; however, it would not pay for property ownership.
How do I get involved?
If you are interested in sharing your thoughts, please fill out the registration form for the district’s community roundtables. Roundtables will be held at 6 p.m. at the Main Street Administration Building, 227 Main Street, on Sept. 25, Oct. 1 and Oct. 9 with the following agendas:
- Sept. 25 – Participants will tour the Erie Street Property to view first-hand what sections are owned by the district and will also learn about the district’s legal obligations for transferring property ownership, should they decide to hold a vote.
- Oct. 1 – Representatives from the Village of Goshen and the Joint Recreation Commission will present their plans for the Erie Street Property.
- Oct. 9 – After a summary of the two prior roundtables, a decision will be made as to whether the district will hold a public vote to ask for taxpayer approval in order to transfer ownership of the Erie Street Property to the Village of Goshen.
Questions can be directed to goshen.pr@gcsny.org.