Citizens to determine fate of former school
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
A NEW SCOREBOARD is one of the many features of the former Ashland Central School that has town officials considering using a portion of the building as a community center, should voters approve the town’s acquiring the property from SAD 32 during a special Town Meeting Sept. 7.
The portion officials would like to keep includes the gymnasium/stage area and handicap-accessible bathrooms — with plans to include the demolition of older parts of the school — to create a multipurpose facility for all to enjoy.
By Kathy McCarty
ASHLAND — Citizens will have the opportunity to determine the future of the Ashland Central School during a special Town Meeting slated for Thursday night.
“The Ashland Town Council has approved a special Town Meeting to be held on Sept. 15 at 7 p.m. in the Ashland Municipal Building to allow the citizens to decide if they want to accept the Ashland Central School complex from SAD 32. Ownership of the facility will allow the town of Ashland to apply for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) to convert part of the facility into a community/recreational center and to demolish the remaining structures,” said Town Manager Ralph Dwyer.
If approved, the facility could be used for a number of purposes.
“The center will be used by the Senior Citizens Club, Boy Scouts and other interested clubs, organizations and local citizens. The Ashland Recreational Department would also utilize the facility for its recreation program, allowing the town to close the old facility currently in use on Station Hill,” said Dwyer.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
A STAGE, gymnasium and handicap-accessible bathrooms at the former Ashland Central School could be put to use as a form of community center, should voters approve the acquisition of the building from SAD 32 during a special meeting Sept. 15.
In order to apply for funds through the CDBG program, Dwyer said the town first has to take ownership of the former school. If voters approve, town officials will be able to move forward with the process, with the ultimate goal of turning the newer section of the old school into a facility for year-round use.
“It’s a nice building. The section we’re looking to keep was completed in 1984 and served as a multipurpose building, with a combined stage area and gymnasium. It’s very functional and could be used for whatever we need. It’s also already ADA accessible,” said Dwyer.
Older portions of the building would be torn down, said the town manager.
“There’s a lot of asbestos in the older sections; it would cost too much to remove. We’d like to add a few rooms to the multipurpose building instead — perhaps a kitchen area and/or some type of room that could be used for classes, a meeting room or whatever’s needed,” Dwyer said.
Centrally located, the building is easily accessible from downtown and includes plenty of parking.
“There’s also a playground already in place and fencing separating it from some other properties. It’s also off the main roads, so it’s a safe environment for children,” he said.
If voters support the town’s acquisition of the school and the grant application is submitted, Dwyer said the town should know by the first of the year if the grant’s been approved.
“If approved, it would be a free transfer from SAD 32, with all liabilities and assets in tact. The asbestos issues would have to be abated but we’re looking into federal grants to do the removal — brownfield and other grants,” he said. “That would be handled during the demolition of the wings we won’t be using. There’s no asbestos in the newest section we’re looking to use as a community center.”
Dwyer said there are a number of benefits to taking over the building.
“It has a stage area and gymnasium and comes with seating. It could be used for so many things. The old center isn’t as fuel-efficient. This building would be easier to heat and maintain. It already has handicap-accessible bathrooms,” said Dwyer.
In addition to Ashland citizens benefiting from the acquisition, Dwyer said members of surrounding communities would as well.
“The facility could be used by surrounding towns. Arrangements could be made if an outside community wanted to use the building for a meeting or some other purpose. There are a lot of towns that don’t have a quality community center. Ours would be available,” said Dwyer.
Dwyer stressed the importance of citizens attending the meeting and expressing their views on the matter.
“It’s important to get out and vote. It doesn’t matter if they’re for or against acquiring the building. What’s important is that they cast their vote one way or the other,” Dwyer said. “This is a community decision.”
For more information, contact the Town Office at 435-2311.
