Public hearing set on proposed gym, theater

BETHEL — Residents will have a chance on Monday to learn more about a proposed $5 million construction project to provide a new gymnasium and theater at the Telstar middle and high schools complex.

The public hearing begins at 7 p.m. at the high school on Route 26.

Proposed are a 10,200-square-foot gym to be built at the rear of the school, and a 7,800-square-foot performance art center on the side of the complex.

Funding, at virtually no interest, would come through the state from the federal stimulus package. Superintendent David Murphy said the money has already been approved if residents decide to move forward on it.

A 15-year loan would result in district payments of about $333,000 a year. By town, annual payments would be: Andover, $21,833; Bethel, $116,667; Greenwood, $39,394; Newry, $108,890; and Woodstock, $46,567.

Architect Jim Reuter and Murphy will present details on the proposal. If approved on Nov. 3, the district's law firm, Drummond and Woodsum, would seek bonding for the project.

At a July public informational meeting, resident opinion was divided.

Murphy estimated that about 7,300 additional gallons of oil would be needed to heat the two new spaces annually, as well as about $21,000 more in annual electricity costs.

The project would begin in the spring and take about a year to complete.

Murphy said that if the projects are voted down, the state-approved funding would go for other school projects around the state.

Now, students in both schools share one gym, resulting in very late practices or the need to bus students to other schools in the district for practice. The theater would provide space for both student and community productions.

Voters will decide on the project during a referendum at the polls Nov. 3.

eadams@sunjournal.com