Facing millions in new spending, Center Moriches voters last week said no for the third time to a $17 million plan to build a new emergency services facility at the Main Street firehouse. The vote came as residents learned of a $48.1 million plan proposed for a vote by the school board on October 24.
Fire department members said publicity over the school district plan contributed to an increase of 188 no votes over the same referendum in June, leading to the proposition going down by two votes. In that vote, the bond measure failed 221-201. In last week’s decision, the plan went down 389-387, with the increased turnout attributed to an extra effort by district supporters, as well as a push by those who wanted to see the fire district plan defeated.
“While we are disappointed with the outcome, we are also heartened by the community’s heightened participation and support,” Ex-Chief Bill Renzetti wrote on the district’s website. “The result, however close, underscores the challenges ahead in providing essential fire and ambulance services, particularly as the demand for these services continues to rise significantly year after year.” The district’s Board of Fire Commissioners has not yet decided whether they’ll put the renovation plan before the voters again.
In proposing the expansion, the commissioners noted that the area’s population has dramatically increased, leaving the existing space inadequate to safely serve the residents. The plan called for an addition to the existing firehouse with more room for the equipment and volunteers. A new communications room was also on tap.
“We are grateful for the significantly greater number of “yes” votes compared to the vote on June 20, as it demonstrates increased community support for our mission to protect life and property,” Renzetti said. “Despite the results of the vote, our dedicated team of volunteer firefighters and EMTs remains committed to serving the Center Moriches community with unwavering dedication. Although this setback poses challenges to our ability to meet increasing service demands, our commitment to public safety remains resolute.”
According to the former chief, the district “will continue to evaluate the best paths forward to ensure we meet the community’s growing needs while remaining good stewards of your taxpayer dollars. In the months ahead, we will engage with the community to explore alternative solutions that will allow us to maintain the high level of service you have come to expect from us.”
The school district is going to the voters with two measures.
Proposition 1 is a $44,366,500 plan for:
• Boiler Replacements
• Roof Replacement
• Auditorium Renovations at the High School
• Library and STEAM Classroom Updates
• Security Updates
• Expansion of Performing Arts Space
• High School Track Replacement
• Development of Mental Health Wellness and International Baccalaureate Programme Centers
• Public Address System Updates
• Creation of Bus Loop/Drop-off Area at Clayton Huey Elementary
• Clayton Huey Elementary All-Purpose Room Upgrades
• Parking Lot and Curbing Replacements
Proposition 2 is a $3,750,000 plan to update the school’s athletic spaces, including the installation of a turf field and renovations to the high school’s stadium bleachers and press box.
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The district’s plan to create a Bus Loop/Drop-off Area at the Clayton Huey Elementary School may have hit a snag as it would be in the space currently occupied by the former Mazarakis family home, a property located in Brookhaven’s Historic District. Residents approved $565,000 for the acquisition in a November vote by a 130-119 margin. Town officials said they are looking for solutions to preserve the structure, including a relocation. The town’s Historic Advisory Board would have a say in whether the home can be demolished, they said, with litigation by the school a concern.