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Pair Of School Propositions Will Be Up For Vote In Bronxville Thursday

EASTCHESTER, N.Y. – A pair of propositions that have been proposed to the public will be up for vote at a special election hosted by the Board of Education on Thursday.

Bronxville voters will vote on a pair of propositions at a special election on Thursday.

Bronxville voters will vote on a pair of propositions at a special election on Thursday.

Photo Credit: Bronxville Schools
The proposed Bronxville School District flood mitigation plan.

The proposed Bronxville School District flood mitigation plan.

Photo Credit: Bronxville Schools

After nearly a year of speculation and planning, homeowners will have the opportunity to vote on two propositions that would improve flood mitigation in the village and feature the installation of a synthetic turf playing surface at Hayes Field.

Since 2007, the village has endured nearly $30 million in damages during the series of “100-year storms” that have laid waste to the East Coast in recent years. As a result, with the help of a Federal Emergency Management Agency grant, the school district has proposed the two propositions.

The FEMA grant will cover 75 percent of the $6.8 million project. On Thursday, the public vote will determine whether homeowners are willing to fund the remaining $1.7 million.

Board of Education President Denise Tormey said that the current plan is critical for the village and school district. The finished product will include an “ample natural grass play area that includes relocated parking areas.”

It was determined that the synthetic field is preferable to a grass playing surface, because each year, between physical education classes, recess, and local sports leagues, it is estimated that it is used more than 1,000 hours annually.

“It is my personal hope that the flood mitigation project will go a long way toward keeping Hayes Field above water, and that a reconfigured, brand-new synthetic field will revitalize Hates Field into a resource that our children will enjoy for years to come,” she said.

According to Paul Pelusio, the engineer who is shaping this project, the plan includes installing a large network of pipes under Hayes Field that would detain floodwater and prevent it from backing up into the school, as it did in 2007, with disastrous results. The proposal also includes a dedicated pipe that would be installed behind Village Hall that would deliver storm water back into the Bronx River.

A storm water pumping station on the Midland Avenue side of the school would also be utilized during and after flooding. Due to construction, Hayes Field would be inaccessible during the spring sports season.

Additionally, according to Superintendent David Quattrone, there will be a new bus drop-off adjacent to Hayes Field, and the area will be landscaped. Nearly 50 trees and additionally shrubbery will also be planted along Midland and Meadow Avenue.

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the multi-purpose room at the Bronxville Public School at 177 Pondfield Road. Any registered voter is eligible to participate in the election.

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