After weeks of discussion and debate, the Bronxville Board of Education determined a second vote was in order after the initial proposal was narrowly rejected by voters at the first special election by a 470-452 vote.
On Tuesday, after the board spent time revising and educating the public about the plan to reorient the field, voters overwhelmingly supported the project, with 951 “yes” votes against 546 “no” votes.
Under the scope of the now-approved plan - the cost was reduced by $400,000 for a total of approximately $1.8 million overall – the focus at Hayes Field will be on “only reorientation, surface and related components.” There will be no permanent parking, which increased savings.
“A number of questions focused on storm water management, a topic that has been addressed by the district’s architect, who detailed the self-contained drainage-storm water management system that is engineered into synthetic surface systems,” Board President Denise Tormey added.
A lack of field space in the village is something officials have been struggling with for years. By reorienting Hayes Field, it can be expanded to regulation size, allowing for more playing hours on the artificial surface. With the project now approved by voters, the field is estimated to provide more than six times the available hours for fall sports, and double in the spring.
According to schools officials, “by reorienting Hayes Field, the district will be able to enlarge the space to regulation size. By installing synthetic turf with organic infill, the district will increase the usability of the field for school and community use.”
Click here to follow Daily Voice Bronxville and receive free news updates.