Editor’s note: This statement was provided by the Pelham Board of Education.

Dear Pelham Community,

The board of education shares the village’s concern regarding the flooding in Pelham, as it significantly impacts our students and families. We are also dedicated to preserving Julianne’s Playground for future generations.

While we seek to collaborate with the village on their stormwater project, we are disappointed that our questions and concerns have been dismissed. This lack of partnership undermines our shared goal of supporting Pelham families affected by flooding and has strained the previously collaborative relationship between the district and the village.

We oppose the village’s use of eminent domain to seize property at Julianne’s Playground for its stormwater project for two primary reasons. First, the seizure of this property would place ongoing liability on the district for a large infrastructure project that it does not own or operate. No amount of indemnification can fully eliminate this liability. Second, while the district would still own the property, the stormwater project would render it unusable for future educational purposes. Therefore, we have consistently proposed transferring the property to the village via a swap or a sale to facilitate this essential project and allow the district to use lands or funds for educational purposes.

Additionally, the village plans to install six large diesel pumps and a public restroom on this land while expecting the district to own and maintain the surrounding area. The arrangement raises significant concerns, as the district will undoubtedly be burdened with complaints, repairs, clean-up, and more troubling, potential criminal activity or injury related to the public restroom or the pumps.

The board of education remains committed to the educational needs of all students in the district and supports flood relief efforts in Pelham. Unfortunately, the village’s plan to force an “easement” and impose a large infrastructure project on district-owned land contradicts the long-term interests of the Pelham Union Free School District and the children of Pelham. It is our fiduciary duty to safeguard those interests. Consequently, we feel compelled to oppose the eminent domain process in the Appellate Division to ensure our concerns are heard.

As we move forward in this legal process, we will continue to advocate for a reasonable resolution.

Sincerely,

The Pelham Board of Education

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