The Whitehall Central School District is excited to announce a proposal to acquire property for the future construction of a new transportation facility. On Tuesday, April 1, 2025, the Board of Education approved a resolution to place the land purchase on the May ballot. The proposed site, located at 270 Broadway (formerly the McDonald's property), presents a valuable opportunity to enhance district transportation infrastructure while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

The proposed property is in a commercially friendly area and spans 7.32 acres. It comes equipped with essential utilities, including village water and sewer infrastructure, existing power, and groundwater drainage, making it an ideal location for the new facility. The purchase price of the property is $250,000, which would be fully funded through the District’s Unallocated Reserve funds, ensuring zero cost to taxpayers.

Why a New Transportation Facility is Needed

The district’s current transportation facility, built in 1964, is now 60 years old and no longer meets the needs of modern transportation operations. Key concerns include:

• Garage Size Limitations: Modern buses are built taller, requiring the district to purchase models with smaller wheels and airbag suspension just to fit inside for maintenance.
• Aging and Inadequate Equipment: The garage’s lift, essential for DOT bus inspections, frequently needs repairs and has failed inspection multiple times. Additionally, the current shop cannot accommodate modern equipment, such as mobile column lifts and other in-bay service tools, necessary for a modern maintenance program.
• Structural Issues: The pit beneath the garage, where the lift sits, has ongoing water issues.
• Lack of Facilities: The restroom is inadequate and not suitable for staff needs.
• Insufficient Space: There is no designated space for drivers within the garage.
• No Bus Protection: The district lacks a covered facility, leaving buses continuously exposed to harsh weather conditions.
• Utility Limitations: Existing utilities are inadequate to support modern operations.
• Campus Space Constraints: There is no available space on the current campus to build the necessary facility.

"This project represents a strategic investment in the future of our district’s transportation services,” said Superintendent Patrick Dee. “By utilizing existing reserve funds, we can address a critical need without placing additional financial burden on our taxpayers.”

The resolution for the property purchase will be included in the upcoming May School District Board/Budget vote scheduled for Tuesday, May 20, 2025, allowing the community to weigh in on this important initiative. This vote is specifically for the purchase of the land, with the future construction of the transportation facility to be planned at a later date.

The district encourages all community members to stay informed and participate in the voting process. Updates and additional details will be shared via the district website, social media channels, and community notifications.