I.P. community backs $17.1 million bond

Island Park residents voted to approve both proposals of a bond put forth by the village school district on Jan. 24.

Proposal No. 1, which asked for a $12.5 million bond to pay for major repairs and renovations at both Francis Hegarty Elementary School and Lincoln Orens Middle School, passed, with 308 votes for and 146 against.

A second proposition — requesting $4.6 million to pay for air conditioning at both schools — passed, 282 to 167. Both proposals were voted on separately as part of the same bond.

The tax burden for residents will start at $118 per household annually, according to the district, and will replace payments going toward bonds taken out in 1996 and 2000. By 2021, the payments are expected to increase to $204 per household and will remain at that level until the payment period ends in 2032.

“I want to thank the residents for their support,” Island Park Schools Superintendent Dr. Rosmarie Bovino said. “The bond will address and serve the community for the next 30 to 40 years.”