Eli Schwartzberg, Adirondack native and
principal of Stonebrook Properties, recently met with the
Willsboro School Board and expressed optimism and a commitment
to continue moving forward on the potential renovation of the
former Willsboro School.
Mr. Schwartzberg shared the results of his
evaluations thus far. He explained that extensive systems,
environmental, and structural studies have been completed.
His current focus has been to determine the highest and best use
for the building, the extent of the renovation costs, and a
market study to verify that there is sufficient demand to make
the project viable. He is also working on the steps
necessary for compliance with the requirements of local, state,
and federal permitting agencies that could be involved in the
project.
After conducting a market study examining
several alternatives that would best meet the needs of the
community and of the region, Mr. Schwartzberg believes that a
moderately priced, continued care, senior living facility would
be the best way to satisfy a community need while simultaneously
utilizing the former school. The location of the former
School is ideal for seniors who would be able to enjoy the
beauty of the river and surrounding Nature Conservancy land
while having easy access to churches, restaurants, shops, the
library, the historic heritage center, and other community
organizations. The senior facility will create new jobs
for the local community and add additional energy to the
downtown. Mr. Schwartzberg wants to preserve the character of
the old school throughout the renovation and has a goal of
designing the facility in a manner that promotes both senior
citizen and local community interaction. He is also proud of the
fact that by reusing the old building, the new use will be
considered a "green" project.
Mr. Schwartzberg envisions a community in which
seniors could transition through different levels of care
throughout their adult life. Seniors would have an
opportunity to choose the type of housing that best meets their
current needs. These could include assisted living opportunities
in the former school for those who need more of a helping hand
in their daily lives as well as independent living apartments
built on the land behind the school.
Mr. Schwartzberg stated, "It does not make
sense that senior citizens should have to move out of the North
Country to a new community once they are no longer capable of
living independently. I want to provide a community where
a senior’s friends, aids, and surroundings do not change just
because they face new life challenges". The school
building could also include a center for senior activities for
the community at large.
On behalf of the Willsboro Central School Board,
School Superintendent Steve Broadwell expressed his enthusiasm
for the proposed project stating that "Mr. Schwartzberg has
been excellent to work with throughout this process of
assessment and
analysis
of the viability of the project. He has a real vision for
the future of the community, and the project has very exciting
possibilities for Willsboro, Essex and all of the surrounding
towns."
Mr. Schwartzberg plans to hold a meeting with
all interested community members to share the results of his
analysis as well as his plan for the future. In the
meantime, he would welcome comments and ideas. "This
is going to be a very challenging and expensive project.
The school is at a critical point where something needs to be
done soon or it will be beyond the point of repair."
Mr. Schwartzberg also stated that he is optimistic that with the
communities’ support "we can bring the old school back to
life". He also stated, "One of our greatest
challenges in successfully renovating the former school will be
to demonstrate that there is a need".
Mr. Schwartzberg strongly encourages anyone with
interest in living in the future community or knows of someone
who would be interested to contact:
