By Michelle O’Riley

NEW SCOTLAND — Voorheesville is considering building a place to skateboard in its village park. Equipment may be purchased from a park in Hudson, N. Y. that is closing.

Mayor Robert Conway, in hopes of getting a better understanding of any issues or concerns that the village may need to consider, questioned why the park in Hudson was closing its rink.

Trustee David Cardona questioned how much of a liability a skateboarding park would be for the village.

The village board, at its meeting on Tuesday, also discussed how much of the construction would need to be contracted out and at what cost. Surface leveling and fencing were determined to be the biggest costs. Other factors included having a proper drainage system to keep the surface dry.

Cardona said that he could not get approximate numbers from vendors until the village begins the planning process.

The board estimated that the park could cost between $20,000 and $30,000. The cost of equipment alone ranges from $5,000 to $10,000.

Most kids in the area are street skaters, which would entail putting up only basic rails, explained Department of Public Works Superintendent William Smith, whose son is familiar with the sport.

He plans to go with his son to Hudson to take a look at the used equipment there.
"The basketball team has a place, the tennis players have a place to play; now we are adding a place for the skateboarders," said Smith, "a place of their own where they won’t get chased off because it is used for something else."

Schenectady County was given a $40,000 grant to build skateboarding parks. There is currently one in Rotterdam and Niskayuna. The park in Rotterdam cost $60,000 to build.

Placement is everything, explained Smith. The rink needs to be built in a spot that is convenient for skateboarders, he said.

Most parks charge an annual membership fee and require parents to sign a waiver for use.

Other business

In other business, the village board:

— Is reviewing its current zoning laws. In a recent e-mail, Building Inspector Gerald Gordinier asked how important cleanliness, access to excellent schools, parks and green space as well as affordable housing are to Voorheesville residents. Several residents responded with ideas on improving Voorheesville, which included building a pool in the park, building cross-country trails, and building a small commercial development;

— Heard that the removal of tanks at the Mobil Mart and surrounding soil will begin on Aug. 7;

— Decided to keep its current animal-control program. According to Trustee Richard Berger, the program is working fine;

— Approved a resolution that would allow the village to join a group of municipalities that can buy goods and services in bulk to save money;

— Approved the purchase of an aqua tap for proper installation of water service;

— Heard that there was vandalism of village property. Damage included several tires being slashed and graffiti drawn on walls; repairs will cost around $2,000. The village asks that residents keep an eye out on unauthorized activity near village property;
— Heard that the mayor met with the group, World Changers, which is doing some community-service projects in the area. "They are a very enthusiastic group," said the mayor;

— Are waiting on the approval of two crosswalk sign locations. Tentative locations will be on Route 85A by the gazebo and by the grade school;

— Learned that the music festival, which was a collaboration between the village and town of New Scotland, was cancelled due to rain. The festival may be rescheduled in late August or early September.

For now, residents can enjoy theater and live music in the park with the following performances: The Classic Theatre Guild performs Shakespeare’s As You Like It on July 28 at 7:30 p.m., July 29 at 3 and 7:30 p.m., and July 30 at 3 p.m.; Frank Loscavo, playing jazz on Aug. 2 at 7 p.m.; and The Tipping Point on Aug. 16 at 7 p.m.