Saratoga Spa school project touted, opposed

SARATOGA SPRINGS - The city school district is touting its proposed $15.6 million capital project as one that will lower energy costs, improve safety on all eight campuses and inspire students to more fully enjoy the outdoors. And it will all be done at a zero cost to taxpayers.

Superintendent Michael Patton said he's received "really positive reactions from stakeholders" for his Great Outdoor Project, which is being fully paid for by its capital reserve fund of $7.5 million and a $8.1 million bond, which will, in large part, be paid back in state building aid.

"There are multiple benefits that all the stakeholders, staff, teachers, booster clubs, PTA, Rotary, Lion's Club like," Patton said of the project that will go up to vote on Tuesday with the district's proposed 2018-19 budget of $125.9 million and three board seats. "Everyone was positive."

But there is one group of people not so enthusiastic. Two dozen neighbors whose homes border the high school like everything about the Great Outdoor Project except for the lighted multi-use turf field that will be installed near their homes. Their greatest concern is the traffic, which is already congested on their narrow side street because many high school students already park there.

Donna Decker, who lives on Joseph Street, said the new turf field will only attract more cars to her street, as well as Elm and Empire Avenue.

"It's quite a disturbance here now because the traffic comes in three ways," Decker said. "There is a blind spot over at Empire and there are no sidewalks."

Aside from the traffic, Decker is concerned about the turf itself. Made out of synthetic fibers and tire crumbs, she believes it is a carcinogen. The theory is controversial and has been debunked by studies including a 2010 one out of the University of California at Berkeley. But Decker is not convinced they are conclusive.

"There is leaching and outgassing of toxins from turf fields," Decker, who is a principal at Amsterdam Greater School District said. "I don't think it's a progressive way to go. And the school doesn't even need the field. I'm fine with all of the improvements, but unfortunately this is an all or none deal."

Erik Reimann, who lives on Empire Avenue, said he he's concerned about the overall impact on the neighborhood.

"It's great for kids but it's a parking nightmare," Reimann said. "I want more information before I vote."

Other neighbors like Rita Young, also of Empire Avenue, can't understand why anyone would be opposed.

"I don't like to be disturbed, but anything that supports the youth population and sports, I'm supportive of," Young said. "Absolutely."

Decker, who is circulating a petition against the turf field, said that she would prefer to see funding going toward school security.

Patton said that security is a factor in the capital improvements with new outdoor lighting and fencing at all of the schools. He also said the new bus loop at Greenfield Elementary will provide additional safeguards for students being picked up and dropped off.

He finished by saying he does understand the parking problem, which he said has been on-going at the high school.

"We don't have a lot of space," Patton said. "We are trying to address it. I'm meeting with the city's commissioner of public safety. We are telling our students to be careful how they drive and park on city streets. I think we are being very respectful of the neighbors. We want to come up with a viable solution and alternatives to parking. It's an ongoing conversation."

Decker said if the project is approved, it won't be over for her.

"I'll work on improving the plan for the field," she said.