Property purchase passes with slim margins

Last month, the Center Moriches School District voted to purchase the Mazarakis property, located at 559 Main Street, in an amount not to exceed $565,000. The vote passed on Tuesday, Nov. 1, with 130 “yes” votes to 119 “no” votes with one voided vote.

The Center Moriches Board of Education then approved a contract to purchase the property for future development to create a safer environment during drop-off and pickup at Clayton Huey Elementary School. The district also stated that the property will be used to enhance the beautification of Main Street by increasing green space.

“We believed it was important for our community to be educated on the project and make an informed decision as to whether or not it would be a prudent purchase for the district,” said superintendent of schools Dr. Ron Masera.

According to the district, the plan will: enable the creation of a safe arrival and dismissal procedure through creation of a kiss-and-go drop-off loop for cars; create opportunity to connect to their sustainability curriculum at the high school and a potential agricultural pathway; and establish 50’-60’ of green space along Main Street by relocating the existing parking lot and community gardens.

The property, which is surrounded by Clayton Huey Elementary School, the District Administration Building and staff parking lot, is currently vacant. The school district was contacted by the owners of the property, who expressed a willingness to sell. The district was concerned about possible blight due to its nature of surrounding the schools on all three sides.

School districts require board of education authorization as well as voter approval when purchasing property. The purchase, which was appraised at $500,000, will be made through short-term borrowing. The district hired two intendent real estate companies to prepare for the purchase and compare the market as well as an independent appraisal company. The contract price of $500,000 was agreed to with the Mazarakis family, who currently owns the site. The total project with upgrades included is not to exceed $565,000.

The district will now work with Brookhaven Town officials and architects to develop a site plan. The proposed closing date for the sale was Nov. 28