BMCHSD Approves Sale Of Jerusalem Avenue Building

The Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District has decided to go forward with its plan to sell its Jerusalem Avenue property to Nassau BOCES.

Superintendent John DeTommaso penned a letter explaining the sale to the community. For years now, BOCES has rented the building at 2351 Jerusalem Ave. in North Bellmore, and paid the district $1.3 million per year. BOCES uses the building to house programs for children with disabilities. The lease agreement between the district and BOCES ends next year, and BOCES wanted to purchase the building. In addition to the BOCES programs, the school district uses the athletic fields at the building for its teams.

"So as not to lose the availability of the space, the district has negotiated a sell agreement with Nassau BOCES that will allow the district to maintain ownership of the main athletic field and track at a selling price of $12,000,000," DeTommaso wrote. "If the sale is finalized, the district would retain the five acre field/track space. Community residents would also have access to the building's parking areas and restrooms during athletic and other outdoor events."

The money from the sale, DeTommaso wrote, would be put into a special fund to offset tax increases for district residents.

According to DeTommaso, the entire property — including the field — was valued at $13 million.

Outside groups would still be able to use the building's field space and gym for special events.

Bellmore-Merrick residents will have to vote in a special referendum on Dec. 5 to approve the sale. If that referendum passes, a second will be held across Nassau County in 2018 to approve BOCES spending the money.

"As superintendent of schools, I believe the Board's decision to sell teh building to BOCES is in our district and community's best interest," DeTommaso wrote. "And while the purchase price is a one-time payment please know that the building's upkeep and future cpital imporvement needs are significant. The sale releases the distirct of these costs, which will further allow the district to offset potential future cost increases and maintain our excellent educational programs. If the sale is not approved, Nassau BOCES could consider discontinuing their lease with us, which would result in a significant loss of income for our district."

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