By Sarah Hall

Editor

Voters in the North Syracuse Central School District have approved a $22.5 million capital project.

The project, which will involve major renovations at Karl W. Saile Bear Road Elementary in Cicero as well as the installation of a new fueling station at the district’s transportation facility on Taft Road, was approved by a margin of 911 to 304 Tuesday, Oct. 18.

“Many thanks to all of our community members who came out to vote,” said Superintendent Annette Speach in a statement. “We are excited to be able to move forward with the much needed renovations at KWS Bear Road Elementary School and the installation of this new transportation fueling station.”

KWS Bear Road Elementary has not had any significant repairs since it was built in 1958, save for a small addition in 1965 and some roof work. The school was next on the list on the district’s systematic renovation plan for its schools when the recession hit in 2008, and the school’s planned repairs had to be delayed. It is only now that the district is able to present a plan for the necessary renovations for a vote. The projected cost of repairs is $20.9 million.

Voters also approved the installation of a new transportation fueling station at the district’s transportation complex on Taft Road. The proposal includes new fueling systems, equipment and tanks that meet up-to-date safety and security standards, as well as allowing for better traffic flow at the complex. The proposed cost for the fueling station is $1.6 million.

The total cost for the project is expected to be $22.5 million, which will increase the tax levy by an estimated 0.9 percent. For a house valued at $100,000, the average annual increase will be $21.