Eldred supervisors agonize over whether to buy old elementary

June 10--Eldred Township supervisors have been given an opportunity to acquire the township's former elementary school on Kunkletown Road, but are asking the public's help to determine how the building might be used and if it's worth the cost of maintenance.

Supervisors have scheduled a public meeting for 7 p.m.June 23 to gauge public opinion on acquiring the property and to solicit ideas on how it might be used.

"We really want the public's help. We want to make this a public decision," Supervisor Sharon Solt said.

Pleasant Valley School District is trying to cut costs and no longer has a need for the building, currently occupied in part by the YMCA'sWest End extension.

Last month, district officials presented the township with an opportunity to purchase the property for $1, but imposed a one-month deadline. At a meeting last week, Solt and Supervisor Mary Anne Clausen clearly agonized over the issue, but ultimately passed on it because of time constraints.

When told of the township's decision, district officials agreed to give the township another month, Solt said. She said that works in the township's favor.

After the meeting, she said several residents approached her, saying the building could be useful.

Solt agrees that the building could be an asset to the township: It sits immediately next to the township municipal building/post office. With the right funding, it could become a community center for residents, she said.

But the issue is the cost to maintain the building. District officials have said it costs between $50,000 and $70,000 each year for insurance, maintenance and utilities.

The school district has kept ownership of the building since Eldred closed in 2010. But the district has been exploring every avenue to save money and cut costs as it faces declining enrollment and increased expenses.

Eldred has been occupied by the YMCA'sWest End extension since 2011, but the supervisors' understanding is that the YMCA will leave the building when its lease is up. Even if the YMCA stays, the rent it pays is under market rate, Solt said. YMCA officials were unavailable Monday.

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