STROUDSBURG, Pa. (WLVT) - The Ramsey School in Stroudsburg closed and went up for sale in June of 2014, but the building is still empty five years later.
“We want to see it sold,” said Stroudsburg Area School District Superintendent, Dr. Cosmas Curry. The school is currently priced at $340,000.
Dr. Curry said the district would like to see a developer turn the building into high-end apartments, but Stroudsburg Mayor Tarah Probst, said there are better uses for it. “If the school district is not going to reopen it, then the community would like the district to donate it to the YMCA, which would save them 2.5 million dollars in renovations,” said Mayor Probst.
“It’s better for the community, and it’s better for all of our school districts because education is the key,” said Mayor Probst. “If children are going into kindergarten knowing their ABC’s and 123’s, and how to read, it just makes for a more educated society, which we all crave.”
Although the district is not completely against using the building for a Pre-K program, Dr. Curry said the YMCA should not be the only non-profit organization considered to be the owner.
“If we would go through a process of looking to donate it to a non-profit, then we would open it up to all non-profits,” said Dr. Curry. “Whether it’s Street2Feet, Women’s Resources, The Salvation Army, the YMCA or any other deserving not-for-profits, we would go through a process with the board in vetting what that would like.”
Below is a statement from Pocono Family YMCA CEO, Scott Peckins, on their interest in the Ramsey building:
The Pocono Family YMCA continues to investigate a number of options for the future of our organization including Ramsey Elementary School as a possible location for our childcare and pre-K services. It is our responsibility to exercise the due diligence necessary to make an informed decision in this matter. Our consultant has advised the completion of studies assessing the physical condition of the building, any potential environmental concerns, how the building location serves our members and any projected capital and budgetary implications.
Upon the compilation of this and any other pertinent information the Board and Staff under the advisement of our consultant will initiate the appropriate negotiations to acquire the building if it is determined to be in the best interest for the future of the Pocono Family YMCA and potential community partnerships.
Right now, there are no solid plans for the Ramsey building, but the district said they, along with the borough, would benefit the most from selling the property. Dr. Curry said if the school is used as high-end apartments, the playground would still be open to the community.
