The New York State Education Department gave its approval on Thursday to revised plans for improvements at the Clarkstown North High School’s main field. At Thursday night’s meeting, the Clarkstown Board of Education announced the state’s approval meant the district could move forward with its plans to construct a concession stand and add 500 bleacher seats near the existing press box on the south side of the main turf field.
As part of the plan, the press box will also undergo renovations and the concession stand will have electricity. Currently, the concession stand is near Congers Road.
John LaNave, assistant superintendent for business, said now the district can put out bids for the work.
“We will move as quick as we can,” he said in response to a question from Board Member Wendy Adolff.
Facilities Manager Anthony Valenti had recommended the relocation of the concession stand based on ADA accessibility, security and cost considerations. Valenti and other district officials had visited Monroe-Woodbury High School to see how its field amenities were placed. A sketch of the field amenities will be added to the district’s web site. The board passed the resolution unanimously.
In other action, under the terms of a refinanced lease, the district will save $500,000 over the course of 10 years. LaNave said the district refinanced the lease of its energy contract with Ameresco. The terms of the new refinancing with Sovereign Bank NA carry an interest rate of 1.39 percent compared to the previous rate of 3.72 percent with Chase Bank.
The district received five proposals for the refinancing of the technology lease. The amount of $5,093,218 was refinanced for a term not to extend beyond Oct. 15, 2021.
Additionally, the board accepted a $250 donation from the Clarkstown North PTSA for the school library to purchase books during the course of the school year.
