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Lowville Academy and Central School District
Residents to Vote January 13 on Proposed Plan to Purchase Vacant Property
on East State Street
Published: January 05, 2026
at 06:30 p.m.
By: linkinglewiscounty.com
Lowville, NY- Lowville Academy
and Central School is asking district voters to approve a plan to purchase
a two-acre parcel of vacant property in the village. A ballot measure will
be presented for a vote on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. Voting will
take place in the auditorium between the hours of 12 PM and 8 PM.
According to a
letter to the community from district Superintendent Rebecca Dunckel, the
district has entered into an agreement with the current owners of the
vacant property to purchase a 2-acre parcel on East State Street, adjacent
to the Bostwick Field, for $175,000. The amount
will be paid through existing Capital Reserve funds, with no tax increase
proposed to offset this cost. The proposition up for vote states the cost “not
to exceed $200,000” so that there is room for ancillary costs- including
but not limited to printing fees, legal fees, and other evaluations.
The district also
notes that, at this time, there is an existing
legal restriction on the property. This means that before any new
construction or use, a request must be made that a judge lift this
restriction. Therefore, the purchase is contingent upon the ability of the
district to obtain the property free from any title restrictions and that
the seller and the school district are mutually working to address any
title restrictions that may impact the district's future use of the
property. The district states they believe that, with a successful vote
from the community and an agreement between the district and the owners of
the property, a judge will grant the restriction waiver.
According to the
district, this parcel of vacant land is an ideal spot for parking and is
directly adjacent to their Bostwick Field sports fields.
The full letter
to the community from Superintendent Dunckel is Included below:
Dear Community Members,
Our district is excited to announce an
important upcoming vote regarding the purchase of vacant property that
could open new doors for our district. This opportunity reflects our
ongoing commitment to invest in the future of our school community and continue
to seek spaces for parking that will increase safety, security, and
organization in a land-locked neighborhood.
For generations, our district has
remained at the heart of the village, ensuring that our schools are not
only accessible to students and families but also continue to serve as a
vital hub for community activities. Being situated in a “landlocked” neighborhood—surrounded
by homes and local businesses—means that space for new construction,
parking, or expanded facilities has always been limited.
Despite these constraints, the district’s
central location offers numerous advantages. Our students can easily walk
or bike to school, families enjoy close proximity
to school events, and our facilities remain integrated into daily village
life. Our staying power in the village underscores our commitment to
serving the community and working creatively within the existing footprint.
This approach has required thoughtful
planning, flexibility, and collaboration over the years. With every
decision, the district strives to maximize available space for the benefit
of students while preserving the benefits of our village-centered schools.
What You Need to Know
• The
district is planning a vote on January 13, 2026 in
the auditorium between 12:00 pm and 8:00 pm. We have entered into an
agreement with the current owners of the vacant property to purchase a
2-acre parcel on East State Street, adjacent to the
Bostwick Field for $175,000. The amount
will be paid for through existing Capital Reserve
funds. We will not raise taxes to offset this cost. *Note that the vote
states “not to exceed $200,000” so that there is room for ancillary costs
including but not limited to printing fees, legal fees, and other evaluations.
• At this time, there is an existing legal restriction on
the property. This means that before any new construction or use, we must
request that a judge lift this restriction. Therefore, the purchase is
contingent upon the ability of the district to obtain the property free
from any title restrictions and that the seller and the school district are
mutually working to address any title restrictions that may impact the
district's future use of the property. We believe that with a successful
vote from our community and an agreement between the district and the
owners of the property, a judge will grant the restriction waiver.
Why This Matters
Acquiring new property could offer
exciting possibilities for our district’s growth and give us flexibility in
planning future facilities and programs for students. While the district
increased the number of usable parking spots during this most recent capital
project, this additional property would ensure the safety
and welfare for our community.
The vote gives our community a voice in
shaping the district’s direction and ensures transparency in every step. We
know that parking has been a concern in the village. This vacant land is an
ideal spot for parking and is directly adjacent to our Bostwick Field
sports fields.
Thank you for your continued support and engagement.
Warm regards,
Rebecca Dunckel
Superintendent of Schools
BALLOT
POPOSITION:
Purchase of
Property
Shall the Board
of Education purchase approximately two (2) acres of land located at East
State Street, in the Village and Town of Lowville, County of Lewis and
State of New York, identified as portion of Tax Map No. 195.20-01-08.113 to
include incidental expenses in connection therewith, at a maximum estimated
cost of Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($200,000.00) for the purpose of
future site improvements, and that Two Hundred Thousand Dollars
($200,000.00) of Capital Reserve Fund (2020) monies is hereby authorized to
be expended therefor.
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