The long-anticipated and much-needed construction is now well underway at KWS Bear Road Elementary School — one of the North Syracuse Central School District’s oldest elementary school buildings — thanks to tremendous community support and determination.
While much of the community was tucked away, staying safe at home this past spring, the voter-approved renovations quietly began at the six-plus decades old building.
The project has been a long time in the making, first seeking community support through a capital project referendum in October of 2016. That vote was approved, but due to project costs being higher than planned, a second referendum was needed. That vote was also approved in December of 2019 and the project was set to begin this spring.
After sorting through some configuration concerns along with building closure due to COVID-19, construction was able to start. Now that the work is progressing, the district would like to advise the community to be cautious around the building and to avoid the area if possible.
NSCSD Director of Facilities Matt Erwin, who is overseeing the project, wants to ensure that work progresses safely.
“The construction site at Bear Road Elementary is closed to the public. Some people have continued to use the school’s play areas and walkways but these areas are just not safe right now. We want to remind people to pay attention to the physical barriers and warning signs that have been put up for their safety,” said Erwin.
Construction fencing has been placed around the site where possible, but has been knocked down by pedestrians in some areas. The district is working to put up sturdier barriers and increase the number of signs directing people away from unsafe areas.
Additionally, for community members curious about the building progress, the district will be documenting the progress with pictures posted on the website and will provide updates at Board of Education meetings.
Erwin invites the community to visit the district’s website at nscsd.org and check for project updates.
“The changes are exciting for all of us and we want to share the building’s transition with our community in a safe manner,” he said.
