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.