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Board discusses possible donated easement to ease Riccardi School congestion and improve emergency access
Summary
Trustees reviewed a long‑running proposal for a donated parcel that could provide a gated emergency access and event/drop‑off area for Riccardi School; the plan would require town input, engineering study and a public hearing before any transfer or capital work.
The Saugerties Central School District board discussed a long‑standing proposal to accept a donated easement from the Bishop’s Gate neighborhood to serve Riccardi School. Board members framed the proposal primarily as a safety and congestion measure: the easement could provide an alternate exit for buses and cars, a gated emergency access and improved circulation during concerts and open houses.
Speaker remarks described recent morning counts (70 cars dropping off in the morning, 40 at dismissal) and noted Riccardi’s current enrollment (reported as 410 students) compared with higher historic enrollment. The board said architects and engineers would need to study options (bus loop, drop zones, gated access and walking paths) and any use would be limited to emergency access, dismissal, drop off and after‑hours events; the district would not create an open public thoroughfare. "This would only be used for those arrival, dismissal, emergency, and then the after school events," a presenter said.
Trustees agreed a town‑board presentation and public comment are planned to solicit community feedback; the presentation was expected to occur at a November town meeting. Officials cautioned there is no guarantee the easement or a subsequent project would be approved: the landowner would gift the parcel, but town approvals and permitting (curb cuts, licenses) could be required. The board did not vote on the easement at the meeting and said further study and public outreach are next steps.
