The Vestal Town Board would like to assure all our residents that all large projects in Vestal are funded by grants, private donations, or a combination of both. Our Town personnel work hard to create wonderful projects to improve our community at minimal cost to our residents.
The Town Board has become aware that many residents are receiving incorrect information regarding one of the projects that is being considered.
Here are the facts:
The Town of Vestal has received a donation of the parts to an original 1917 Herschell Carousel from a local family. Our Parks Supervisor, Highway Superintendent, and Town Engineers are assessing the project and estimating costs. The project, if viable, will be entirely funded through grants and donations. Although many of the pieces of the carousel are in remarkably good condition, some pieces are missing (and have to be replaced), and all the original wood pieces would have to be restored. Our Parks Department personnel have a lot of experience in building and restoration. They created and/or restored most of the wonderful things in our local parks. A major structural piece of the carousel will soon be tested to ascertain whether (or not) it is structurally sound. Although we are all hopeful that we will be able to build and restore this carousel, if the main support structure is not sound the cost may become too high and make the project not possible.
As soon as we learn whether this project is possible, we will let all our residents know the details of the project, including costs.
We have received a grant of $300,000 for the project and will be pursuing other grant possibilities. We would raise the remaining money for the project through donations.
A free carousel would be a wonderful addition to our community in Vestal, for our families today and many generations to come.
The Vestal Town Board members, and all our Town personnel, are committed to improving and enhancing our parks in cost efficient ways, actively pursuing grant and private funding to make great projects possible without burdening our residents with additional taxes.