Elmhurst School Will Not Appear on 2010 Ballot

There's no doubt about it. The now closed Elmhurst Elementary School will become one of the most sought after real estate properties in town. 

But what to do with the waterfront property still remains a mystery. One thing is certain – voters will not determine the historic school's future this November.

The Town Council shot down a request by John S. Vitkevich at Monday's regular meeting.  

Vitkevich pleaded with the Town Council to have a ballot question placed on the November ballot. The question, although not written, would have asked voters to approve putting the Elmhurst School, also known as Map 59, Lot 15, up for sale.

"These are very demanding financial times for this town with the loss of $2.2 million in state aid," Vitkevich said. "Portsmouth must have a firm plan to survive without increasing the residential tax rate," Vitkevich said. "We should have a financial cushion, and be able to replenish our various depleted town accounts."

The vote was unanimous, 6-0, with Councilor Jeffrey Plumb absent.

According to Vitkevich, the assessment value for Map 59, Lot 15, is approximately $13 million. The property is tax exempt and, therefore, the town is not required to pay taxes on this lot.

If sold, the town would receive $146,000 per year using the current assessment, according to Vitkevich.

Former school buildings, such as the Anne Hutchinson building, are not "cash cows," said Town Councilor Hubert Little.

"If we had sold schools in the '70s, we wouldn't have ball fields or the Senior Center today," Little said. "There are a lot of options we could have down there. I'm willing to wait."

Elmhurst Elementary School closed its doors on June 18. The school department closed the aging building due to "structural deficiencies and to lower the cost of education," according to Vitkevich.

With structural repairs needed, the cost of electricity and heating during the winter months, Vitkevich said timing for this ballot question was urgent in order to save the town from added expenses.  He also said the building was "loaded with asbestos."

"(Elmhurst School) should not become a drain on the town's limited financial resources or the taxpayers," he said. "… The logical, cost saving decision, to place this on the Nov. 2, 2010 ballot, reduces the time of two more years of ownership, and the need of a special election expense … Please let the voters decide for themselves."

The property abuts the Glen Manor House, a historic property used today for weddings, private functions and corporate events. The house is also the site of several public events held throughout the year for town residents.

The volunteers of the Glen Manor Authority maintain the house.

"Through the 38 years, the volunteers of the Glen Manor Authority have preserved Glen Manor House through fundraising events such as the very popular Holly Ball," Vitkevich said. "Over the last 11 years, Glen Manor has 'morphed' into a wedding facility. It concerns me greatly that the town of Portsmouth is in the wedding/function hall business."

The Town Council also heard from Richard Wimpress, chairman of the Glen Manor House Authority. (See Wimpress' letter in Opinion)

"Yes, Mr. Vitkevich, we are in the wedding business," Wimpress said. "This business has enabled us to turn over to the town General Fund more than $1.5 million."

Wimpress spoke about the free residential events held at the Glen Manor House, as well as reasons why voters would turn down any option to sell the property.

"It is difficult for me to imagine that the residents of Portsmouth would vote to sell this property," he said. "If we had put it to a vote of the more than 400 people that attended the free summer band concert last Thursday night (July 22), there would not have been many "yea" votes. If we asked the full house of people who come to enjoy free cookies and punch, and a visit from Santa Claus at the annual Christmas open house, I do not think you would get many "yea" votes. "

The Glen Manor House Authority has formed a subcommittee to offer suggestions for the future of Elmhurst.

"I urge you (the Town Council) to put this organization in place instead of putting a 'for sale' sign on the property," Wimpress said.