Planning continues for old Willsboro School

By ALVIN REINER
Staff Writer

May 03, 2008 04:00 am

— WILLSBORO -- About 75 citizens packed a recent informational meeting where developer Eli Schwartzberg outlined plans for the old Willsboro School.
Introducing Schwartzberg, Willsboro School Superintendent Steve Broadwell said the senior-citizens project planned for the site is "a win-win situation" for the district.
Schwartzberg, who grew up in Saranac Lake, graduated from Cornell with a business degree and owns and operates Stonebrook Properties L.L.C.
He said he approached the project "with an open mind. I'm trying to be as transparent as possible. There is no hidden agenda."
The project would include gutting the inside of the building and then renovating it into an assisted-living facility. Later, there would be construction of independent senior-living houses in the adjacent fields.
It is intended that residents can "age in place" and thus have friends and family nearby.
BEAUTIFUL BUILDING'
Most of the meeting was reserved for community questions.
As far as concerns that the building was structurally unsound, Schwartzberg said he had a full inspection that showed there are some structural issues, primarily the roof and some rusting, but the building is essentially sound.
"They don't build buildings like this anymore," he said. "It's a beautiful building. It will be around for another 200 years."
The bus garage will remain under the school's jurisdiction, but it's possible Schwartzberg would purchase it if the district decided to sell.
As for condos, the present plans are uncertain.
"I have no idea what I will do with the back seven acres," Schwartzberg said. "Right now, I am concerned with the building."
SALE PRICE
The property is being sold in two parcels, with $132,000 for the land and $10 for the building.
When questioned about the sale price, Schwartzberg pointed out that the property was offered to 17 developers in the Northeast, with none responding.
"Most developers would rather buy land and start new," he said.
The School District won't have to spend the $300,000 it set aside for building demolition, which could run more than $700,000.
And the property would go back on the tax rolls, which has not been the case since 1927.
As far as finances, the project will run about $7 million, of which banks will supply about 70 percent. The rest Schwartzberg will obtain elsewhere and with incentives.
SEWAGE CAPACITY
A study of sewage treatment was calculated, with the plant currently at 35,000 gallons per day out of a capacity of 120,000. The addition of the renovated building and new housing would add 15,000 gallons per day, keeping the plant at less than half its capacity.
The building would be "environmentally friendly" concerning materials and the heating system, which would utilize wood pellets as a backup, Schwartzberg said.
Current plans are for the building to house up to 70 assisted-living residents, with some double-occupancy suites.
Schwartzberg anticipates the facility would have 20 to 30 employees.
"The school is a community building. I want to provide a place for people from Essex and Willsboro. I'm not catering to New York City and Boston."
2010 OPENING EYED
A few people expressed concerns about what would happen if the project doesn't work.
"I'm confident that we can bring the old building back to life," Schwartzberg said.
With work commencing this fall, the anticipated completion would be in 2010.
After both the school and Zoning Board meetings, Schwartzberg said the project is "moving along tremendously. The relationship between the school, community and me has become stronger. It's a team effort, which has helped the viability of the project."

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