Second time the charm?
By Rikki Cason, Lockport Union-Sun & Journal, N.Y. | |
McClatchy-Tribune Information Services |
On
Muscarella wants to relocate his gym from
The proposition failed by 33 votes, 805 to 772, in May. Voting results by election district show that, in the area around Washington Hunt, the proposition passed. In the town, however, it failed.
As word spread of its defeat, school district officials began to hear about the confusing way propositions appeared in the voting machines.
"There was enough doubt," Coder said. "If voters were confused then (the board) agreed to put it up for a revote."
Muscarella said he heard from people who told him they voted in favor of the proposition, but once it failed, the same people told him that now they weren't sure because the set up in the voting booth was confusing.
To lose by 33 votes, and then hear from people that they were confused, it's reasonable to think that some people did make a mistake when voting the first time, Muscarella said. He also believes the wording of the proposition could have contributed to the confusion.
"The voting machines played a big role," he said. "The machine was very confusing."
In the special election, the purchase of Washington Hunt will be the only proposition on the ballot, thus eliminating any confusion, Coder said.
Muscarella believes that among the "no" voters in May, possible 100 made a mistake.
If that is true, though, 700 people didn't make a mistake and they still voted no, which is an "alarming number," Muscarella said.
Ultimate Physique offered to pay
One of the reasons the board of education selected Washington Hunt for closure was its lack of
A market appraisal of the building suggested its value is
The board sought proposals from interested buyers this past March and one written offer was received: Ultimate Physique's.
Once the proposition failed, Muscarella began to research what other vacant school buildings in the area have sold for. He thinks some
According to Coder, the district charging more for property would not benefit it financially. The only benefits to the district would be avoiding maintenance costs and getting property back on the tax roll.
In 2013-14, the district incurred about
Proceeds from the sale of Washington Hunt would be deducted from future state building aid. The district could not keep any of the proceeds because there is existing debt on the building.
"We're pushing to save that building and have a lot of good years there," Muscarella said. "It's a great thing. We're putting the building back on the tax rolls."
Over the next couple of weeks, both Muscarella and the school district will be sending out mailers to inform residents of the upcoming vote.
Ultimate Physique has been at
Muscarella said he has expanded there three times and loves the facility, but -- as with having a car for a long time, "you love the old one but can't put any more into it."
If the Hunt proposition fails a second time, he said, Ultimate Physique faces an uncertain future.
"I hope we get a chance to continue to serve the community," he said.
The revote will take place from
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