Grants Fund Carmel School District Projects

Contractors build a new library at the Kent Elementary School. Two major projects in the Carmel School District nearing completion will have no effect on local property owner school tax bills.

A new library and media center is under construction at the Kent Elementary School that is being funded through an EXCEL grant garnered by the school system and approved by district residents two years ago. The library is being constructed in a former art room suite that will contain a large picture window overlooking the school’s courtyard. The art classes will be relocated to the former library within the first six weeks of school.

Assistant Superintendent Eric Stark said what made the project so special was that there will be no cost to Carmel District property owners.

The second project involves the construction of a massive wastewater treatment plant at the rear of the George Fischer Middle School in Patterson. The facility will treat all of the waste created at the school and will eliminate the need for septic tanks or fields. Once again Stark said no cost will be assessed to local taxpayers since the New York City Department of Environmental Protection is picking up the tab for construction as well as for future maintenance.

The school property abuts the New York City watershed off of Fair Street, and concern arose that effluent was leaching into the watershed posing a health concern. The city and school district discussed the situation and decided on a solution that would benefit both parties.

Stark estimated the new plant should be operational within the next month. At that time the district’s septic system will be decommissioned.