During the “Administration Report” portion of the June 11 City Council meeting, Business Administrator George Savastano updated Council on the Sea Isle Boulevard Elevation Project, which is expected to be completed by the end of June, and the new 38th Street Pump Station, which is expected to be completed by the end of July.
Following Mr. Savastano’s updates, Sea Isle City Director of Community Services Katherine Custer gave a presentation regarding the future of the former public school property at 4501 Park Road.
During her presentation, Mrs. Custer explained the school building’s current uses as well as its deficiencies. She also outlined the findings of the ad-hoc committee of residents that was formed to explore the options for the school facility, and she displayed images of concept plans that portrayed three possible directions for the school property based on the ad-hoc committee’s findings. Those three options are:
1. Renovate the existing building (approximately $2 million cost)
2. Demolish the building and construct a new recreation facility with a modern gymnasium (estimated cost $13 million-$16 million).
3. Demolish the building and construct a new recreation facility with a modern gymnasium and an indoor swimming pool (estimated cost $17 million-$20 million – plus ongoing maintenance and staffing costs that range from $500,000 to $1 million each year).
Following Mrs. Custer’s presentation, Mr. Savastano stated that the City’s Administration plans to host additional public meetings relevant to the future of the public school property.
Subsequently, City Council has been informed that the next public meeting regarding this topic will take place on Saturday, June 29, at 10 a.m. in the school gymnasium at 4501 Park Road, during which time the public can explore the City’s options for the school property and express their opinions.
Each of the twelve resolutions on the June 11 meeting agenda was adopted, including Resolutions 090 through 093, which approved the New Jersey Alcohol Beverage Control licenses for each Sea Isle City business that serves alcohol.