The Manhasset Board of Education has adopted a resolution that paves the way for asking voter approval to acquire property to relocate district transportation operations - a move that will improve safety, increase efficiency, and clear the way for facility improvements at the secondary school. The proposition will appear on the May 20 ballot as a separate question.

"Our vision for the future is to plan for a 6-8 middle school at the secondary location," said Superintendent Dr. Lawrence E. Bozzomo. "For the last two years we have been researching many options for the district, including land acquisition. Moving the transportation operations would free up 13,700 square feet of space and 35 employee parking spaces, in addition to removing 40 buses and vans." These efficiencies and safety concerns are at the core of the drive to acquire the site, especially as student enrollment grows at the secondary facility.

The property, located on East Shore Road in the Village of Great Neck, is within close proximity to the school district. It has a garage with large bays that was previously used for large vehicle mechanic repair. The district has conducted a preliminary environmental study and commercial appraisal of the site to ensure its legitimacy. In addition, the structure on the site has been assessed by the district's architect, and deemed suitable for reuse as a school transportation center.

"It's really an exceptional opportunity for the community," said Dr. Bozzomo. "Even if we didn't have the long range plan to bring the sixth grade to the secondary site, we would likely still pursue acquisition of this land, because current safety and traffic flow conditions at the secondary school should be improved."

If voters do not support acquisition of the property, the opportunity to make necessary improvement to the secondary school will be severely hampered, but it can still proceed. In addition, the board will probably have to consider alternative measures to improve traffic safety at the present site of the bus garage, which may include limiting student drivers and modifying traffic flow. "When we add more staff and students to the secondary school, the challenges we face as a result of having the transportation facility on the secondary site become more acute," said Dr. Bozzomo. "That would require us to re-evaluate our current policies and practices."

The district is not currently under contract to purchase the property, although it is in the final stages of negotiation. Naturally, if the District and the owners cannot agree on a contract, the proposed purchase would not move forward. Pending a successful contract negotiation and approval by voters, the proposition would allow the district to spend up to $2.5 million to acquire the site, which would be paid through a low-interest bond issue. The minor improvements on the property could then be included in the anticipated fall bond referendum. Should a contract not be agreed to, the proposition would be removed from the May 20 ballot.

Voters will learn more about this proposition in the weeks leading to the vote. Questions can be addressed directly to the district by calling Janet McCauley, assistant superintendent for business, at 627-4400, ext. 3040.