New administration building, classroom conversion OK'd

Miller Place residents voted Tuesday night to approve a bond issue that would fund the construction of a new administration building and renovate a high-school classroom, but they rejected another that would have converted the football field to a synthetic turf and installed new lights.

Proposition 1, which passed 648-549, funds a new administration building over the life of a 30-year bond and to the tune of $3,300,000. It also converts a classroom into a multiuse room.

Administrators championed the measure because they said it would be cheaper than continuing to lease space, estimating that bond debt service would be less than rent in three years and that the project would save the district almost $530,000 over 15 years.

Annual payments on the bond will be $176,320.

The other referendum, Proposition 2, failed by a vote of 727-459.

Administrators argued it would maximize use of the space by creating a field that could be used for more sports games in all kinds of weather and for physical education classes.

They hoped the lights would allow the school to host evening games and events, which more community residents would be able to attend.