ON-AIR SEGMENT: Naturally Lewis Economic Development Specialist Kaylee Tabolt clears up confusion over goal for West Leyden Elementary building

WEST LEYDEN- There is some confusion floating around regarding the West Leyden Elementary School.

At the conclusion of this school year, the landmark and historic school will close, as the Adirondack School District has taken a similar approach to neighboring districts in terms of consolidating.

With all of the latest developments for Lowville's DRI and Boonville's NYForward grant funding, local officials say there have been a few misconceptions from the public.

First of all, Naturally Lewis, Inc. is leading the charge with finding a developer for the soon to be former school. According to Economic Development Specialist Kaylee Tabolt, there is a trend where people have confused the latest grant announcements for Boonville and Lowville with the mission of finding a developer for West Leyden Elementary.

Kaylee Tabolt image.

In a nutshell, the two are completely separate. None of the current NYForward or Downtown Revitalization Initiative funding announced can be used for the building, as those projects have already been approved and cemented. 

The school facility is nearly 45,000 square-foot, complete with a playground and athletic fields, presents a unique redevelopment opportunity not only for West Leyden, but for the Town of Lewis and Lewis County, according to local officials from the county's office of Planning and Community Development.     

West Leyden School has been a highlight of the community since it was erected in the 1920's.

For more, be sure to listen to our latest on-air segment with Kaylee Tabolt:

West Leyden Elementary School image via Naturally Lewis, Inc.