It’s a problem of waste and unnecessary taxpayer burden. Moriarty Edgewood School District is actively working to tear down the Edgewood Elementary School (EES) south building, after previously promising continued use, re-purposed as a Community Center in the heart of Edgewood.
Taxpayers provided the funding that built and maintained this public use building. Edgewood taxpayers will incur significantly more cost and delay if the District destroys the building and an Edgewood Community Center has to be built from scratch.
Edgewood’s Pre-K was evicted out of EES and forced into insufficient space which has created a long waiting list. Edgewood does not have other adequate Community space for gym use, fairs, forums, sports, higher education, arts and multigenerational classes, and other civic purposes. Edgewood Elementary has served those needs since its closure as a school campus.
The District is planning to spend close to $1 MILLION to demolish the building even though it is functioning well and simply needs normal maintenance. It is irresponsible to tear down a building that is operational, albeit in need of some repairs after a long period of deferred maintenance.
The Town of Edgewood would like to take full responsibility for the buildings, playground, and sports fields on the EES Campus to relieve the District of any financial, operational, or maintenance burdens. In fact, in June 2022, the Commission passes Resolution 2022-14 officially stating as much. Unfortunately, the District has refused all invitations to cooperate and discuss a win-win solution for the taxpayers and community.
Sign the Petition to Tell the District, “Don’t Destroy Our Building.”
THERE IS A BETTER OPTION
As taxpayers, we’re asking, “Why not CONTINUE TO make use of this taxpayer-funded building for the Edgewood community?” Afterall, the building is in generally good condition. It would be wasteful to destroy it, especially when there are no firm and funded plans for the location.
We know the building is safe and sound because, until June 2022, when the District evicted the building’s tenants, this building was actively in use. A preschool, Rt 66 Arts Alliance programs, and other community events/activities happened here. Edgewood needs this large facility to remain functioning as a Community Center.
Why Does the District Want to Tear It Down? The District wants to build a $5M+ sports complex in Moriarty, but they need to reduce their total square footage on the books to do so. But to tear down a building merely as an expeditious means to an end is irresponsible. The District has an obligation for fiscal responsibility when using taxpayer funds. Whether the District gets a grant for demolition or uses District funds, the money is coming from taxpayers.
The easiest, most cost-effective remedy for ALL is Inter-Governmental Cooperation. The District could and should transfer EES to The Town of Edgewood. Doing so is a common practice when taxpayer-funded facilities are involved. Yet, the District refuses to even discuss this option. Why? Who is the School Board listening to? How does the District’s wasteful plan serve the community where more than half the District’s student population reside?
The Edgewood Town Commission passed Resolution 2022-14, publicly stating its interest in acquiring the building to maintain its continued service to the community. Moriarty Edgewood School District needs to talk with the Town, so that the taxpayer funds involved in this matter can be wisely used, showing respect for taxpayer funds and the general welfare of the community the Distrct serves.
