BOCES purchase talks for JCC education center prompt public discussion; executive session planned

Finance and Rules Committee members discussed a preliminary approach from BOCES to acquire the JCC Education Center and coordinate educational programming across multiple campuses, including a potential exchange involving the Boak Junior Education Center. The committee did not vote on a sale; members asked for further analysis and moved to an executive session to review valuation and negotiation details.

Committee members reported they toured BOCES’ Maple Ridge facility and found it well maintained. Legislators discussed multiple options: selling the JCC building to BOCES, retaining ownership and leasing to BOCES, or pursuing a strategy in which BOCES develops nearby acreage (the Maple Ridge parcel) while the county retains the existing building for county parking or other uses.

Officials noted concerns and constraints: the JCC site includes a running track that cannot be removed, and existing easements or conditions may limit redevelopment options. The county had commissioned commercial appraisals for both the JCC Ed Center and the Boak Junior Ed Center; the committee approved payment of appraisal fees and said an executive session would follow to discuss financial terms and a pending developer proposal for the Lyons Falls School.

Committee members expressed interest in preserving the facility’s educational mission. One legislator observed that public criticism could arise if the county relinquishes an educational asset, but several members said transferring ownership to BOCES — which intends to continue JCC programs on site — would preserve the building’s original purpose while reducing county facility liabilities.

No formal action to sell or transfer property occurred in open session; leaders said they would return with appraisal results and, if appropriate, engage in confidential negotiations in executive session.