New Timon field house

[woodstock]

New Timon field house is focus of community forum.

An idea that began about 3 years ago is now in the planning stages to move forward. A few dozen South Buffalo residents attended a community forum yesterday evening to discuss a new field house addition for the 60-year-old Bishop Timon - St. Jude High School. The one concern on neighbors' minds was parking; a concern Councilmember Kearns is looking at from a City's perspective.

As an incentive to renew the all boy catholic school in South Buffalo, and compete with the attractions of suburban enrollment, the proposed 27,331 sq. ft. field house would be part of the Timon's Capital Campaign. The $2.3 million campaign, in addition to the field house, includes ideas of raising funds for school cafeteria renovations, a new mini bus, and technology enhancements. Other improvements have been made to the school over the years like new science labs, infrastructure outside, a state of the art Center for Media & Arts, Pre-Engineering Center, a modernized library, advanced facilities within in the classrooms and theater-style seating in the auditorium, which currently doubles as the school's gymnasium.

It is noted that the construction of a proposed field house would be a tremendous asset extending itself into the community; other schools and athletic programs would have access to utilize the facility. Representatives of Timon at the meeting feel this, not only will benefit its school, but will be a way to give back to South Buffalo as well.

John Collins, Board of Trustees Chairman and Timon Alumni, said Mayor Brown has endorsed the program "whole heartedly" and stated that Commissioner Joe Giambra said the Department of Public Works would "do what ever it could".

It was stressed at last night's forum that the field house is not a "go project" until adequate funding is raised and the community's apprehensions are addressed. This was a preliminary meeting to hear what the population around the school has to say about the idea; right now it was said that there is no eminent domain in place to acquire two existing property lots beyond the school's parking lot.

Plans of the field house would include a three-lane track, concession area, lobby and storage. School activities would include practices for track & field, football, lacrosse, soccer and baseball, as well as community recreation and health and fitness programs. The Mezzanine level would have a weight room, a cardiovascular room and couches' offices.

It is proposed that the new field house would be the size of their entire parking lot, with side parking on Strathmore & Columbus Avenues.

http://www.speakupwny.com/article_2668.shtml

[WNYresident]

The field house is that large green part of the overhead map? It looks larger than the school

[woodstock]

to be specific, this is not a solid project ... just a recommendation for imput. but if implimented, the school will double its size. right now, the green area is their parking lot.

[Ragin]

right now it was said that there is no eminent domain in place to acquire two existing property lots beyond the school's parking lot.

The map says the school plans to purchase the lots, but this quote leads one to the conclusion that eminent domain is an option.

Are Lots A & B vacant lots or property lots with existing homes on them?

[woodstock]

the quote was stated that no eminent domain is in place at this time (despite the neighborhood rumors) they are properties are w/houses, one on Columbus and the other on Strathmore.

[Ragin]

the quote was stated that no eminent domain is in place at this time (despite the neighborhood rumors) they are properties are w/houses.

The keywords are "at this time"

Sounds like they're not fully dismissing the option.

[woodstock]

at this time, its an idea being kicked around but the school has a concern for public imput. so far the only real objectives is parking

[Dino330]

I'd feel bad for the people who get bought out. They've had these homes for years. At least they'll get a good chunk of change to move.

Personally, I don't think Timon needs a new field house. But if they want one, go ahead and build it.

[woodstock]

i dont think buying the two houses is a problem. and i dont think the school just wants to take them. the $2 million investment will bring the school up to a competeing level with area suburban schools that have feild houses. plus it will be invested in the south buffalo community.