Editor, The Spotlight:
Residents should vote “Yes” on Proposition No. 2 in the upcoming Bethlehem school bond referendum because it represents the best value for their tax dollar. Yes, you read that correctly.
But how, you may ask, can the multi-purpose synthetic field and eight-lane track, which costs $3.4 million more than the drainage option, represent the best value? First, the landscape architect hired by the district has stated that the land around Bethlehem High School is sandy and moist. This means that the fields are often not usable after the slightest rainfall. The district has expended significant effort and money over the years to attempt to improve the situation. Nature has won this battle in the past and will, in all likelihood, continue to do so. Second, while the initial cost of the synthetic field is greater than drainage, the annual maintenance cost is about one-third that of a grass field. Third, unlike the existing field, the synthetic field is more durable and can be used nearly year round. So the total cost for every hour of usage is projected to be less than half that of the current field. Finally, many of our youth sports clubs currently spend thousands of dollars annually to play on synthetic fields in other communities. They will now play, and keep their money, in Bethlehem. This both offsets the cost and strengthens our community. While cost matters, value matters more. When you look at the data, we believe you will conclude that the synthetic field provides the greatest value and is deserving of your “Yes” vote on March 12. Marjorie and Timothy Maniccia
Slingerlands