Submitted by Greenwich Democratic candidates for Board of Estimate and Taxation Elliot Alchek, Matt DesChamps, Scott Kalb, Leslie Moriarty, Steve Selbst, David Weisbrod
We urge the Republican-controlled Board of Estimate and Taxation (BET) to take-up the funding for the Old Greenwich School (OGS) renovation project at its October meeting. By approving this funding now, the project can move forward expeditiously, and construction could start as early as summer 2024. On October 3, the Planning & Zoning Commission approved the Municipal Improvement (MI) required for the OGS renovation by unanimous vote.
On October 5, the Board of Education (BOE) unanimously re-approved their request for $39.7 million and the release conditions on $1.086 million for the project. We also note the BOE’s sense of the meeting resolution opposing the demolition of OGS and replacing it with a new school. The community overwhelmingly supports the renovation project, and we are 100% behind it.
Now it is up to Republican’s on the BET to do their part and approve the required funding for this badly needed, long overdue project. Already they have rejected or conditioned OGS funding twice in 2023; we are running out of time and excuses and putting our children at risk.
Our community knows that OGS is riddled with health and safety issues including flooding, inadequate security, poor air quality, insufficient fire protection, and a lack of ADA compliance.
Funding the project now will address these risks and will save taxpayers money by avoiding unnecessary and costly delays.
We fully support funding for the Old Greenwich School renovation and urge the BET Republicans to advance this important, community-supported project without delay.
Elliot Alchek
Matt DesChamps
Scott Kalb
Leslie Moriarty
Steve Selbst
David Weisbrod