Clarkston school officials say they’re in favor of providing land for a new senior citizens activity center, but they need time to determine how best to do it without jeopardizing future school needs.
With several senior citizens in the audience looking on, the board of education on Monday authorized the administration to ‘investigate the impact? of an Independence Township request for about 2.5 acres of land between the township library and the school district administration building.
The township’s conceptual plan calls for a 12,100-square-foot senior center facility with two levels, and a new shared roadway on the east side of the library (which sits on land donated by the school district to the township). The estimated project cost for the senior center, without factoring the acquisition of land, is $1.2 to $1.4 million.
Although the land in question is not needed for the planned expansion of the school district administrative center and the construction of a new early childhood center, school officials said the senior activity center would encroach on an area reserved for a possible new elementary school should the need arise in the future.
‘It does impact future plans of the district,? board President Karen Foyteck said.
Foyteck and Bruce Beamer, executive director of business and financial services, met May 12 with township Supervisor Dale Stuart and other township representatives. Foyteck said there was agreement in principle, but ‘We all agreed there would be a number of issues and details that have to resolved and put in writing.?
The school board vote Monday authorized Beamer and Superintendent Al Roberts to represent the school district in working out those details before bringing a proposed agreement back to the board.
Beamer said the township’s plan would intersect the corner of the site envisioned for a future elementary school, but, ?’That is something we could negotiate. That is not a set design for the building.?
Beamer later said there has yet to be discussion as to whether the land would be sold or donated, nor has there been an estimate on the market value of the land.
‘I think this facility is sorely needed, and we’re certainly looking forward to being a partner in this project,? board Secretary Stephen Hyer said, ‘but we must make sure we do our due diligence in planning.?
Hyer said there is a need to ensure ‘no conflicts down the road on issues of road maintenance. In addition, Hyer hinted that there may be room for negotiation of shared technical services between the school district and the township.
The new senior center ‘would be a wonderful thing for our community,? Trustee John Koval said. ‘It would be my sincere hope to someday use those facilities myself.?
Some in the audience pressed for a time estimate on the administration’s work, with the promise made to do the study ‘as soon as possible.?
‘In looking at the property, I believe we can work something out,? Roberts said, but he noted the June election will result in new board members who must participate in the evaluation of the agreement.