Now a history
There have been past attempts to develop a Somers Town Pool. However, the last time the community voted on this issue was 15 years ago. Somers has undergone extensive development and expansion in that time. We believe there is a genuine need to revisit this project now.
The committee seeks to create a community pool that serves the needs of the entire town and takes into consideration all the concerns of Somers residents. We are recommending the town survey the residents to analyze the needs of its residents as part of the initial phase of this project.
There have been past attempts to develop a Somers Town Pool. However, the last time the community voted on this issue was 15 years ago. Somers has undergone extensive development and expansion in that time. We believe there is a genuine need to revisit this project now.
The committee seeks to create a community pool that serves the needs of the entire town and takes into consideration all the concerns of Somers residents. We are recommending the town survey the residents to analyze the needs of its residents as part of the initial phase of this project.
The committee seeks to create a community pool that serves the needs of the entire town and takes into consideration all the concerns of Somers residents. We are recommending the town survey the residents to analyze the needs of its residents as part of the initial phase of this project.
According to Community Members:
2005
When the town of Somers acquired Angle Fly, a portion was designated for a community center and possible pool. An architect drew up plans shown to the community including a senior center, fitness center, community space, and an indoor pool. There was discussion of an optional outdoor pool or retractable roof pool. There was a lot of support, including all of a The Preserve. Several seniors from Heritage attended the meeting in support. No one verbally opposed, as long as the facility included a pool. The seniors loved the indoor pool and senior center, and those with kids liked the idea of any pool and rooms for community use/maybe preschool. It was anticipated that we would vote on this in November that year. Then the economy tanked and The town board voted to pull the project and not put it up for a vote.
Even with the indoor pool, it was estimated to add around $125-150 per year for the average taxpayer. Our private pools and out of town pool memberships cost a heck of a lot more than that!
2000
In 2000, the proposed pool project was a 5 million dollar, multiple pool complex and was dubbed the Taj Mahal. Even though it was considered over the top, it was estimated to only add $65 a year to the average taxpayer bill. This pool was voted down by a large margin, but some residents say confusion surrounding the timing of the vote may have prevented supporters from voting.
- According to one resident, "The Somers pool considered in the late 90s was for quite a large facility, like the one built in Mt. Pleasant, which had been a smashing success and last I heard basically pays for itself.
2005
Even with the indoor pool, it was estimated to add around $125-150 per year for the average taxpayer. Our private pools and out of town pool memberships cost a heck of a lot more than that!
2000
When the town of Somers acquired Angle Fly, a portion was designated for a community center and possible pool. An architect drew up plans shown to the community including a senior center, fitness center, community space, and an indoor pool. There was discussion of an optional outdoor pool or retractable roof pool. There was a lot of support, including all of a The Preserve. Several seniors from Heritage attended the meeting in support. No one verbally opposed, as long as the facility included a pool. The seniors loved the indoor pool and senior center, and those with kids liked the idea of any pool and rooms for community use/maybe preschool. It was anticipated that we would vote on this in November that year. Then the economy tanked and The town board voted to pull the project and not put it up for a vote.
Even with the indoor pool, it was estimated to add around $125-150 per year for the average taxpayer. Our private pools and out of town pool memberships cost a heck of a lot more than that!
In 2000, the proposed pool project was a 5 million dollar, multiple pool complex and was dubbed the Taj Mahal. Even though it was considered over the top, it was estimated to only add $65 a year to the average taxpayer bill. This pool was voted down by a large margin, but some residents say confusion surrounding the timing of the vote may have prevented supporters from voting.
- According to one resident, "The Somers pool considered in the late 90s was for quite a large facility, like the one built in Mt. Pleasant, which had been a smashing success and last I heard basically pays for itself.
Hooray! It's about time...I have been without a pool for the past 41 years...Lydia Kugel
ReplyDeleteThere is a bit more to this story. After the "Taj Mahal" plan was scrapped because of it's immense size, a much smaller pool minus the community center was discussed. However befcasue a much smaller pool can only accomodate a limited number members, a lottery seemed the only way to manage that discrepancy. Many town residents objected to paying taxes for something they may or may not be able to use. This again led to scrapping the idea. Finally, an idea was floated to work with the Somers YMCA who has land, and possibly matching funds, to provide a pool. Also, when it was learned that the process would take up to 10 years or more many pool supporters bailed on the idea completely.
ReplyDeleteInteresting, there has been no mention of a lottery. I don't think anyone is considering that at all. It has never even been brought up as a previous or current option. The main idea seems to just be a pool for everyone, like other towns have around us.
ReplyDelete