Proposed Franklin Field pool would bring substantial increases in home values
To the editor:
It was with great interest that I read of the proposal to build a municipal pool at Franklin Field. I have been fortunate to live in Pelham for 58 years. (No, I was not born here, but I got here as soon as I could!) As a resident, I feel this is an idea long overdue.
As a Realtor, I feel Pelham can certainly compete with other small communities in location, our schools and our playing fields. But in a competitive market, a town pool would be a strong selling point. Acres of turf and grass are impressive to prospective buyers. But no Realtor would show a potential buyer around Pelham without pointing out our town swimming pool—if we had one.
A swimming pool at Franklin Field would have a first-rate location in the middle of town and be accessible to all. Just look how the town library enhanced the town!
But just as important for homeowners is the financing of the pool by users, much like Little League, tennis and Pelham Children’s Theatre. Every property in Pelham would see a substantial increase in value with no investment by non-pool users.
I urge the board of education to investigate this proposal in depth. The land is there. It can be done.
Ann H. Rende
4472 Boston Post Rd
LeRoy Marriott • Jul 8, 2022 at 6:32 pm
I have never heard someone say “we need a pool in Pelham “ Wilson Woods water park/wave pool is literally within walking distance and we all enjoyed it growing up. In addition to Wilson Woods, Glen Island Park is also close by. The expense of building, and more importantly, maintaining a pool will be astronomical and we can do without. Don’t be afraid to “cross the bridge” and enjoy Wilson Waves!
Thomas Barbieri • Jul 7, 2022 at 10:32 pm
I concur that a town pool should be paid for by the users. What is the expected annual budget for the pool? What would the annual/daily fees be to cover the staffing, maintenance and recoup the development costs?How many years will it take to recoup those costs (if there is a tax payer expectation that they will be)? Given that it is not indoors I imagine it will only see use in June, July and August when many residents travel and chikdren are in/away at camps.
Has a analysis been completed to quantify how much of a “substantial increase in property values” or what percentage increase homeowners can expect from the pool? The town has a very competitive housing market. I would be curious how many perspective buyers chose another town because of a pool. Rye is the closest comparison and the pool comes with a golf course and is 15 minutes futhur from the city on Metro North.
Margot Lovell • Jul 7, 2022 at 6:41 pm
Thank you, Ann
Lautner John • Jul 8, 2022 at 2:21 pm
no way!!! this should not be a pelham issue. a pool will n.o.t. increase home values. misguided
john lautner