TUSTEN – The proposed pavilion project in the Flats neighborhood of Tusten has been approved to go out to bid in a 4-1 vote by the Town Board on February 13, green-lighting the town to get an estimated price on the project’s costs. 

Although not a final determination for the project’s approval, those who voted yes noted the benefits of knowing exactly how much the project may end up costing should they choose to continue the process. The estimated price would not include the necessary handicap accessible bathroom add-on. 

Voting yes was Town Supervisor Ben Johnson, and board members Cass Collins, Greg Triggs and Bruce Gettel. 

Gettel noted that he felt the discussion was like “opening up Pandora’s box,” as he continued to say that he saw no real plan for the pavilion set up, leaving the town board in need of a concrete decision. Without knowing the costs, Collins said she feels like she is “flying blind.”

Triggs initially noted hesitation in going out to bid due to how much work goes into the bid process with the possibility of the project not moving forward, but eventually joined the majority of the board in his decision that having the costs would be beneficial. 

Voting against putting it out to bid was Kevin McDonough, who remained consistent with his previous vote against the project’s progression. He expressed that the project’s scale and cost are already too big. 

He said the town has to “go back to the drawing board.”

The bids are to be sent out to various businesses and are expected back in April. 

The Parks, Recreation and Open Space Committee was formed to give guidance to and research future projects that involve town public spaces, not exclusionary to only the proposed pavilion project. Sitting on the committee is Supervisor Johnson, Triggs, Gettel and former Town Board member Jane Luchsinger. 

They are set to hold their public meetings on the first Monday of each month at 5 p.m. at the town hall.

Prior to the vote, the Town Board needed to make a decision to either continue using Sullivan 180’s 2023 grants and bar themselves from accessing 2024 grants, or cut their ties with the previous year and begin applying to 2024 grants. In their decision to go out to bid, the pavilion project remains tied to the 2023 grant.

Public opinion on the project remains fractured, with some wanting the pavilion to be put up in the park and some seeking alternative routes to enhance the park, such as finding other ways to provide shade for the typically-sunny area.

Prior to the adjourning of the meeting, an executive session regarding the personal history of a particular individual was called by Supervisor Johnson.