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Canton Central’s proposed capital project could address fire hydrants, old sewer lines, parking improvements

Posted 10/5/19

BY MATT LINDSEY North Country This Week CANTON -- Canton Central Superintendent Ron Burke hopes his district’s next proposed capital project will address needs to carry the school on for the next …

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Canton Central’s proposed capital project could address fire hydrants, old sewer lines, parking improvements

Posted

BY MATT LINDSEY

North Country This Week

CANTON -- Canton Central Superintendent Ron Burke hopes his district’s next proposed capital project will address needs to carry the school on for the next 35 years.

Burke describes the project as “no glitz”. He said it could address fire hydrant issues, old sewer lines, updating the kitchen and cafeteria, and improving the parking area.

The laundry list of proposed improvements would cost around $36 million. Burke says not all of those issues will be addressed, and he expects the capital project to come in around $20-25 million.

Burke said the school plans to build a capital project reserve fund to help offset the impact the project may have on taxpayers.

He said the district was approached by the fire department and insurance to improve its fire hydrants. There are no hydrants toward the rear of the building and in the event of a fire, a long set of relays would need to be set up which would slow down attempts by firefighters to battle a blaze.

The goal would be to install water lines at a cost around $750,000, Burke said.

Other “nuts and bolts” upgrades would address old sewer lines. “The lines running to the main are in need of repair,” he said.

Any work done to parking lots would be aimed at creating more parking space and improving the flow of traffic. Because of limited space, Burke said fixing the parking issue might cause the athletic fields to lose space which would then need to be addressed as well.

Upgrades to the kitchen and cafeterias could see new plumbing and appliances among other work done.

Finding parts for the appliances, some of which are over 30 years old, is becoming more difficult.

The capital project could also include funding for new offices, which have not been updated in half a century. The updates would address safety concerns for when visitors come into the school.

Architects will present school officials with a plan and Burke hopes to have more detailed information available for taxpayers around February.