[Updated 7:30 p.m.] Granby Capital Improvements Referendum Today

[Updated 7:30 p.m.] With a half an hour left before polls close, 1,333 residents, or just under 20 percent of registered voters, had cast their votes, according to assistant moderator Louann Hall.

[Updated 6:30 p.m.] Polls are still open for another hour and a half. The voter turnout has been higher than expected, according to assistant moderator Louann Hall. As of 6:30 p.m., 1,128 people had cast their votes.

[Updated 2:45 p.m.] The high school gym has seen a steady stream of voters since the polls opened at noon.

As of 2:10 p.m., 354 people had cast their votes, according to assistant moderator Louann Hall.

[Original story] There will be a referendum in Granby today on the $11.4 million capital improvements projects package.

For more information on the issue, there are articles on , issues surrounding the acquistion of , concerns about the and on the that took place on Jan. 10.

The following information was taken from the Town of Granby's website.

WHEN AND WHERE?

Machine vote Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2012 from 12 – 8 p.m. at the Granby Memorial High School gym. 

WHAT ARE THE PROJECTS?

• SILVER STREET BRIDGE: The town’s legal requirements are to safely maintain all town bridges. The funds will be used to replace the existing bridge to meet federal and state standards. The Silver Street Bridge project is federally funded by 80 percent and 20 percent local. 

• PARK POND HOUSE AT SALMON BROOK PARK: The funds will be used to construct a 3,200 SF prefabricated building. It would meet increased program space needs, changing room capacity, first-aid station, and code compliance.  Also, the Recreation Department needs adequate shelter for summer campers during inclement weather. The existing Pond House will be used for storage.

• COSSITT LIBRARY - ADJACENT LAND ACQUISITION: The purchase of adjacent property to Cossitt Library would add parking space and provide required space for a new septic system for this historic building.

• DPW WASH BAY and STORAGE BAY: Adding on to the present garage would be a 70’ wide x 47’ long vehicle wash bay addition and storage bay to the east end of the Public Works Facility. It would also resolve a state and federal regulatory deficiency that requires wash water to be captured before it is sent into a sanitary sewer system. 

• GRANBY PUBLIC LIBRARY ROOF RESHINGLE: New shingles will maintain the integrity of the roof and overall structure. The present roof is over 30 years old and degraded. 

• SBP TENNIS COURT REHABILITATION: Currently, the courts are severely worn; play is also limited after rain falls due to drainage issues.  New fencing will be replaced where needed, and the light poles will be repainted.  Replace the existing courts with a hard surface that can double as a skating rink during the winter months. 

• SIDEWALK AND STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS TO SALMON BROOK PARK: The existing sidewalk network will be extended to connect the town center with Salmon Brook Park to improve pedestrian safety. The walk will be constructed of Portland cement concrete for 2,800 linear feet and be 4.5’ in width.  The expansion will connect the Middle School/High School complex, Town Hall, and the Town Center with Salmon Brook Park.

• EVONSION FARM LAND PURCHASE AND IMPROVEMENTS:  One of the goals of the town is to preserve the amount of open space land in town. Several years ago, an Open Space Fund was established to assist with the purchase of land that may become available. The Capital Improvement Program identifies an amount of $3 million to acquire property, to retain open space and have it available for future town use. 

• GENERATORS: The purchase of generators would improve and enhance communications and public safety for town residents and assist with sheltering during power outage emergencies, such as Hurricane Irene and Storm Alfred.  The town had to share a portable generator with the Emergency Shelter established at Senior Center and the pump station.  It is also in keeping with the state and local plans of emergency operations for preparedness.  A generator to supply energy at portions of the Middle School is also planned. 

• HIGH SCHOOL ELECTRONICS LAB: The district has identified the need for an electronics lab at the high school. It will provide space for collaborative work stations, lab experience and adequate space for additional technology and tools. The project would involve new construction and several modifications to existing spaces within the high school.   

• ATHLETIC FIELDS PROJECT:  Completion date – Summer 2013. Replace existing track on HS site with a six–lane regulation track and eight straight lanes; two artificial surface fields – one within track; new fencing and lighting; bleachers and press box; relocation of softball field; ADA compliance/handicap access; and address HS accreditation recommendation.  

SUMMARY OF COST

Gross Cost

Other Funding

26% of Total

Estimated Bonding Cost

Silver Street Bridge

$3,000,000

$2,400,000

$600,000

Salmon Brook Park Pond House

$700,000

$250,000

$450,000

Cossitt Library Land Purchase

$230,000

$215,000

$15,000

Library Roof

$70,000

$0

$70,000

Salmon Brook Park Tennis Courts

$65,000

$0

$65,000

DPW Wash-Bay & Storage Bay

$350,000

$0

$350,000

Streetscape Improvements

$330,000

$75,000

$255,000

Evonsion Farm Purchase

$3,000,000

$0

$3,000,000

Emergency Generators

$250,000

$0

$250,000

GMHS

Electronics Lab

$165,000

$0

$165,000

Athletic Fields

$3,235,000

$0

$3,235,000

TOTAL

$11,395,000

$2,940,000

$8,455,000

Note:   Bonded net cost to Granby is rounded to $8.4 million due to favorable Silver Street Bridge bid results.

WHAT WILL THE PROJECTS COST?

TOTAL COST:  $11,400,000        ESTIMATED BONDING COST:  $8,400,000

IMPACT ON TAXES:  The project represents a town wide plan unanimously supported by the Board of Finance, Selectmen, and Education.  This project will be financed with a 20-year bond. Proposed tax consequences for both debt and operations calculated using the CPPAC model, predict average increases of 2.97 percent over the next five years of which 0.45 percent is attributable to the project.