Why is Farmedge Property being put on the referendum when you haven’t set up the committees yet to decide what the taxpayers want to do?
I was at the March 1, 2014 Levittown Property Association meeting when a person in the audience directed a question to Superintendent Murphy, asking the value of the Farmedge property. The Superintendent was asked at least four times and did not respond.
The person then asked if he could say how much it was valued at that he’d found out through the Freedom of Information Act. The Superintendent gave him the okay to say it. The young man said it was $5.5 million, not the $11 million that was told earlier to the public.
In March, I received an Island Trees District newsletter. It said “Farmedge: The Details”. It stated that in December, 2013 there was a bid of $17,290,00 for the entire property. Then in January, 2014 the offer increased to $18,031,000. On the February 10, 2014
Board meeting, the Superintendent and the Board would not disclose the amount of money of the Farmedge property.
What is the true story? You admitted it was $5.5 million and now it’s $18 million. I’m really now wondering if $5.5 million that was found through the Freedom of Information Act is the correct amount and why is there now a $13 million difference? The
Superintendent has said that in the past he wouldn’t reveal the bids because he felt it wasn’t a smart business move. It was stated by the Board in the 4/16 – 4/22 issue of the Levittown Tribune that they were keeping the closed building in a condition that would make it immediately available for a possible tenant with minimal re-opening costs. And again, with the rush to sell the property, it was stated at the February 10, 2014 Board meeting that none of the money from the sale would go to the budget and for 10 years no taxes would be collected. It’s in the Board minutes.
The Gallow building has been rented all the way to 2013 making money for the district.
1) You drained the fuel oil from the building – there would be no heat or hot water.
2) You didn’t say that water pipes had gotten broken in the building.
3)You forgot to say that you shut the water off at the curb to the building.
4)I also was told that the elevator was taken out of the building at a cost of $175,000 to be put in another building where it didn’t fit.
Tell the taxpayers how when a building has no heat, water pipes breaking, tiles popping up off the floor and possible mold growing that it is considered in a “condition making it immediately available for a tenant with minimal re-opening costs.”
Is this the same board that was supposed to abate the lead in the gun range that was in the High School basement where the students for the Drama club have the props they build for plays? I wonder what’s the story on the health of those students.
Now, another thing. I’m glad you brought up the Island Trees Memorial that you said the current board restored the name. Is it not the same board that agreed to take the name off the building and put Superintendent Seagadahl’s name instead. I was present for that.
As of April 21, 2014 I regretfully decline from running for School Board President due to advice of counsel.
Dominic Ciaramella
