Gowanda PennySaver News - August 3, 2003

Old school may become community focal point Academy Place renovation project will carry over $7 million price tag By Mary Pankow      Visionaries have that special knack for seeing the glass half full, not half empty. They see promise where others see despair. To them, problems are challenges to be conquered, not roadblocks. To most, an empty school building is a white elephant, but to those with vision, it's an opportunity to transform an old alma mater, giving it new life.      Transformation and revitalization are the key components of the Academy Place concept, a stylish reuse plan for the Center Street School in Gowanda.      Approximately three years ago, a task force of volunteers gathered to brainstorm on the future of the soon-to-be-vacated school. At a legislative luncheon on July 24, a roomful of representatives from various government branches, local officials and community leaders were introduced to Academy Place, sketches of its floor plan and the funding avenues being explored to bring the project to fruition.      Academy Place Advisory Council Co-chairman Michael Hutchinson explained, "This project is part of a bigger picture for Gowanda. It's a proactive health-care facility, a positive for everybody. And, it came from the community."      Gowanda Mayor Richard Klancer concurred, adding, "I see this as a focal point for Gowanda."      A slide presentation afforded the luncheon attendees a brief journey from Gowanda's industrial past to its present and on to the community's future, a renaissance in which Academy Place hopes to play a significant part.      The project is composed of three entities: a medically based wellness center (lap pool, physical therapy, circuit training, multi-purpose sports area, cardiovascular equipment, aerobic studio), that will provide 20 jobs; a business incubator (at least 20 new businesses, distance learning site for job training/retention programs); and senior housing unit (16 apartments).      Although officials indicate over $7 million is needed to transform the facility, consultants have determined that retrofitting the well-maintained building is more economically feasible than constructing a new one.      Advisory Council member and grant writer Patricia Kota reviewed a detailed list of funding sources for the project.      Empire State Development, Empire Opportunity Fund has been asked for $1.3 million; United States Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has been asked for $500,000 in grant monies and a $1 million loan; Southern Tier West has been approached for $150,000, and word has been received that Academy Place is one of two projects being considered for funding by STW.      Also, $35,000 in grant monies was approved for the project by Gowanda's Village Center Revitalization Committee; a $250,000 member item initiative through state Senator Patricia McGee's office has been forwarded by the senator to Empire State development; $21,000 was received from Univera Healthcare, and a $125,000 grant and $125,000 loan will be forthcoming.      In addition, a Small Cities grant application for $750,000 will be submitted; $12,000 from the New York State Department of Health was received; $400,000 has been requested from NYSERDA; a tax credit program (20 percent of total project cost) through New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation has been requested; and a $5 million loan was requested from Cattaraugus County Industrial Development Agency.      Governor Pataki's representative Barbara Scott remarked on state funding, saying, "There's no money, but don't stop applying pressure for funding."      A suggestion was made to also apply for federal funds.      Kota pointed out that the building is in an Empire Zone and will benefit for-profit businesses.      Resident and volunteer Irene Koch then expressed her concern over the immediate need for senior housing. (Academy Place will offer 16 apartments with rooftop gardens and balconies, according to the plan.) She stated that many of her friends are moving to Hamburg or Spingville because of the senior housing available in those areas.      "Many ... live in three-bedroom homes," Koch said. "'This ties up real estate. We need young people to buy the homes and raise their families here. Senior housing is critical to everything else you're trying to do"      Kota noted the need to wait until the business plan is done before specific components - such as senior housing - can be "worked on." The plan is expected in November.      Hutchinson then posed a question to the audience - "You've seen the funding plan; how realistic is it?"      Senator Hillary Clinton's representative James Keane was supportive and said the Clinton office will do what it can.      Tom Buttafarro, of Senator Pat McGee's office, related how much the senator likes the project and asked the Academy Place representatives to update McGee on other federal grant possibilities, noting she is very supportive.      Congressman Amo Houghton's representative, Mickey Brown, suggested tapping additional resources such as Wal-Mart and other foundations. Kota noted the Oishei Foundation has been very instrumental in the funding process.      Persia Supervisor Mel LeBar commented, "The Town of Persia stands committed to this project. This is a project that has vitality, a real shot in the arm."      More supportive comments were made by Gowanda Central School Board of Education President Mark Nephew, who stated, "We think the project is good and doable."      More words of encouragement came from Cattaraugus County Legislators Crystal Abers and James Ellis.      Perrysburg Supervisor Myrton Sprague, whose township has its own albatross to worry about - the state-owned, abandoned JN Adam campus - commended everyone involved in the Academy Place project. Unlike a neighboring community, he said, there is no blight surrounding the old school, no windows are being broken on the empty school. Many old schools stand vacant and deteriorating, he said. People are taking steps to prevent that in Gowanda.      Kota itemized the 2003 "to do" list in the development of Academy Place: complete ownership transfer [from the school to the town], complete the comprehensive business plan, integrate with the wellness center business plan, confirm the wellness center partners (TLC and Univera), secure business incubator partners/tenants determine a senior housing model (own/rent), host a master fiscal planning meeting and acquire USRDA United States Rural Development Agency) and EDA (Empire Development Agency) invitations.      The plan and funding for Academy Place are ambitious, but the advisory council and many community members are determined to someday cut the ribbon on the multi-use facility.      These visionaries remain steadfast in their efforts and hope that, in the not-too-distant future, the voices of children and adults will again echo through the halls of Gowanda Academy, a 90,000-plus square-foot landmark built in 1876.