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Syosset Board Authorizes Up to $50,000 Feasibility Study to Explore Converting Woodbury School to Satellite Library
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Summary
The board approved a resolution authorizing a shared, not‑to‑exceed $50,000 feasibility study with the Syosset Public Library to evaluate converting the century‑old Woodbury School into a satellite library; the study will cover discovery, schematic options, code review and a probable‑cost opinion, but not a full traffic impact study.
The Syosset Central School District Board voted to authorize a feasibility study—cost‑shared with the Syosset Public Library and capped at $50,000—to determine whether the century‑old Woodbury School can be converted into a satellite library.
Superintendent Dr. Rogers told the board that architects and construction managers need to do a deeper investigation to refine renovation estimates and to determine whether the building can be reprogrammed from classroom use to library use. "The next thing to do would be what's called a feasibility study," he said, describing a discovery phase, schematic design options, code review and an opinion of probable cost.
The board asked what the feasibility study will and will not include. Dr. Rogers said the initial feasibility phase will focus on building capability and programming and will not, at this stage, include a full traffic or parking study; he said traffic engineers could be engaged in a separate subsequent study if the partners elect to proceed. He added that the study will identify site constraints (the parcel has significant grade changes and areas that would require retaining walls) and that code review will identify features that are not cost‑effective to remedy.
Board members pressed for clarity on cost and contingency plans. Ms. Apenston asked what happens if conversion proves financially infeasible; Rogers said the district is conducting ongoing maintenance to slow deterioration but noted demolishing and remediating the site to green space would still likely cost between $1 million and $2 million. Rogers also said his earlier high‑level construction‑manager estimate was broad and that the feasibility study is intended to provide a reliable, narrower estimate before the district or library commits to more work.
The resolution was moved by Ms. Kocher and seconded by Mr. Ginsburg and the board voted to authorize the study and asked Dr. Rogers to notify the Syosset Public Library that the district is prepared to proceed with a shared feasibility effort.
Why it matters: the Woodbury School sits near major roadways and is nearly 100 years old; a conversion to a satellite library would create new community space but could require substantial investment to replace mechanical systems, remediate water infiltration and meet current code. The feasibility study will inform whether a partnership is cost‑effective, what programs the space could support, and which upgrades would be required.
Next steps: the district will proceed with the feasibility discovery phase, report early findings to the board and stop additional work if the study uncovers fatal constraints or prohibitive costs.
