Updated: Greenport School Board Separates Alt Energy Project from $8.6 Million Bond

Shortly after finalizing the proposed scope of the $8.6 million construction bond at its work session on Tuesday evening, Greenport School board members decided to split the proposed $1.27 million solar and wind energy project from the $7.4 million proposed capital improvement bond, both to be voted on Dec. 7.

The passing of the solar and wind project is contingent upon the passing of the capital improvement bond.

Superintendent Mike Comanda said the bulk of the capital improvement bond includes a new roof, windows, and boilers. The bond also includes improvements to handicapped accessibility and fire alarms, which are required by law, according to William Wisbauer, director of Tetra Tech, the architect and engineering firm working on the project.

"Right now you're grandfathered in, but once you do a capital project you are required to update to the new standards," Wisbauer of the original school building, built in 1932.

The eco-friendly building improvements include a 110-foot wind turbine to be located adjacent to Moores Lane near the softball field and 50-kilowatt solar project for the roof.

Wisbauer said his calculations showed the wind turbine paying for itself in three to five years using Long Island Power Authority's rates. The school is part of the Greenport Village utilities system, so Comanda said it would take a little longer to pay for itself.

If the bonds pass, Tetra Tech is prepared to go out for bid in early spring and start the roof and window replacement over the summer of 2011. If the bonds fail, the board must wait 90 days to put up the same referendum or 45 days to present a modified version.

One more informational session on the bond issue will take place at Greenport School on Oct. 19 at 5:30 p.m. Comanda will also make presentations to the Southold Town Board and Peconic Landing.