To the Editor:

This is an open letter to the property owners of the town of Westerlo.

The Westerlo Town Hall and Highway Garage have supported town government and public works operations for approximately 55 years but are now deteriorated and unable to support town functions.  To address these conditions, capital improvements are planned including:

Town Hall to be renovated, including:

— Space for State Police, Town Court, and Records Room

— Complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act;

— Energy code compliance through insulation, lighting, heating and ventilation; and

— Vehicular access and parking improvements.

A new highway garage will be constructed, including:

— An 8,800-square-foot, five-bay garage with maintenance stations;

— Restroom and office space;

— Rigid-foam insulated metal siding and roof, steel-frame superstructure on a concrete foundation for long life and low maintenance;

— Insulation, heating, and lighting to meet energy code; and

— Vehicular access and parking.

The total budget for the town hall and highway garage project including all costs is $2,750,000.

The annual debt payment is estimated at $202,349.81 for a 20-year bond. 

With 2044 taxable parcels in 2014, the estimated cost to the average taxpayer is $99 per year. 

A summary of project elements as well as site plans and building floor plans are available for public inspection at the town hall during regular Town Hall hours. 

The referendum vote regarding this project will be held on Sept. 1 from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Town Hall, 933 County Route 401, Westerlo.

Richard Rapp, supervisor

Westerlo Town board

Keith Wright, superintendent of highways

Editor’s note: This letter was submitted by Brad Burgett, designer, of Delaware Engineering, the company overseeing the proposed Westerlo project.