LPCSD property transfer vote is June 24

LAKE PLACID | The Lake Placid School Board will host a public vote that, if passed, will transfer a one-acre parcel of land from the school district to the Town of North Elba. The property, located behind the Lake Placid High School student parking lot and adjacent to the Shipman Youth Center, is the proposed location for a combined food pantry and thrift shop. The vote will take place on June 24 from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m., with two voting locations available: Lake Placid Elementary School at 318 Old Military Rd. in Lake Placid and the Wilmington Community Center at 7 Community Center Circle in Wilmington. All registered voters within the Lake Placid School District are encouraged to vote. According to North Elba Supervisor Derek Doty, the transfer of land to the Town of North Elba will secure the thrift shop and food pantry's location. "This is a pivotal moment for the thrift shop and food pantry," he said. "Ownership of the property by the town will ensure that the thrift shop and food pantry will always have a designated place within the community - it removes the risk of the organization being displaced due to the property being sold in the future. This is an extremely important community initiative." The newly formed Lake Placid Food Pantry and Thrift Shop board is planning to construct a new building that will house both services. The board has received the support of the area's church community, local government leaders, area foundations, the local school district, business and community leaders. Board Chair Pastor Jim Koenig is optimistic that the vote will underscore the community's support for the project. "Our board of directors is so proud that our community supports those who have fallen on challenging times," he said. "We know that the food pantry and thrift shop provides incredible benefits to our friends and neighbors. I encourage voters to support this important project." The proposed site of the new 3,000 square foot building will offer easy and convenient access for community members with ample parking, accessibility, and a much larger interior space. Its location away from Main Street and its busy intersections, while remaining within the center of town, will offer a safe and convenient location for those accessing the services. It's anticipated that the food pantry will open upon completion of construction, while the thrift shop will open at a later date as donations of items are accepted and inventory grows. The larger building will allow the thrift shop to accept far more donations than in the past, including furniture and other household items. The volunteer-staffed food pantry provides food to 50-70 households each week; proceeds from the thrift shop fund the food pantry, along with providing food and items during times of family and personal crisis. "One of the most important aspects of our work is the emergency assistance that we often provide throughout the community," commented Koenig. Various community organizations have organized fundraisers to support the project. The Village of Lake Placid and the Town of North Elba have both committed funding and other resources. The Adirondack Foundation is organizing the fundraising campaign for the $850,000 project. Homestead Development will manage construction of a modular building, with some labor being donated by the company. Those wishing to make a gift to the Lake Placid Food Pantry and Thrift Shop may do so by sending their donation to Adirondack Foundation, PO Box 288, Lake Placid, NY 12946. The current food pantry is located at St. Agnes Catholic Church, while Helping Hands Thrift Store recently closed after more than 32 years. The food pantry and thrift shop board of directors comprises community members, faith leaders, government officials, local foundations, and other community organizations.

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LPCSD property transfer vote is June 24

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