The Scotia Village Board of Trustees has approved a proposal to add a gym to the Schenectady Christian School. Up until now, the Sacandaga Road school has been using the gyms at Scotia-Glenville and Perth schools to host home athletic events.
We have looked into all of the possible effects to the neighborhood and its residents. We see no negative impact resulting from building the gym and are happy to approve it for the school, said village Mayor Kris Kastberg.
Mike Pigliavento, chairman of the Schenectady Christian School building committee, said having an in-house gym would be a great benefit to the students and their athletic programs.
`It will be such an advantage for our students to be able to stay within their own school and host their own games,` said Pigliavento.
The boys basketball team recently went to its first state class C tournament, where it lost to Sidney High School in the semifinals.
One concern raised by residents near the school is the need for additional parking that will result from the gym.
Kastberg read a letter on behalf of village resident Ed Rosenberg, who wrote that parking is already an issue for the neighborhoods surrounding the school, especially on Third and Second streets.
`It appears to me there will be little or no parking to support this gym. There are times now when I already cannot get out of my driveway. It is especially difficult during the time of day when school is dismissing,` wrote Rosenberg.
Trustee Armon Benny said the Schenectady Christian School and the village planning board agreed that the 44 parking spots called for under the plan will help to alleviate parking issues.
`The first step will be to incorporate the 44 spots. After six months, there may be room for additional parking lots to be built,` said Benny.
Benny also told the board that the school would be using a self-contained drainage and sewer system.
`The construction and the changes that the school is implementing will bring a much improved situation,` said Benny.
At the meeting, the board also addressed the search for a new court clerk.
Kastberg invited the trustees to attend an interview scheduled for Sunday, March 18. Kastberg said the particular candidate, who he said he is not yet naming, will meet with village Attorney Lydia Marola and police Chief John Pytlovany. Kastberg said the village plans to be close to a decision within the next two weeks.“
