Ellicottville Central School District Proposes Land Sale to Support New Turf Athletic Complex
Ellicottville Central School District Proposes Land Sale to Support New Turf Athletic Complex
Voters will decide next Tuesday on a proposal to sell district-owned land to help fund an $8.99 million turf athletic complex
The Ellicottville Central School District is asking voters to consider a proposed land sale and capital project aimed at creating a new turf athletic complex for students and the community, with a public vote scheduled for Tuesday, February 10, 2026.
The proposal centers on the sale of approximately 120 acres of district-owned land to Holiday Valley. The largely undeveloped, wooded parcel has not been actively used for more than 75 years. District officials say proceeds from the sale are essential to making the $8.99 million turf athletic complex financially feasible while limiting the impact on local taxpayers.
According to the district, the project could not move forward without an additional funding source. After months of discussion and analysis, the Board of Education and district administration determined that selling the land would provide the necessary resources to reduce borrowing costs and offset tax impacts.
Under the terms of the agreement, the district would receive $2.25 million in cash to directly reduce the tax impact of the project, along with $1.5 million paid over ten years, plus interest, to be applied toward annual bond payments. The district would also contribute $250,000 from its Capital Reserve Fund. The remaining balance would be financed through bonding over 15 years and supported by New York State Building Aid.
District officials estimate that for the average homeowner, the cost of the project would be roughly equivalent to a few dollars per month, depending on property value and STAR exemptions.
In addition to the financial terms, the agreement includes continued benefits for district programs, including reduced costs for the ECS Ski Club and continued access to Holiday Valley’s golf course for ECS golf teams.
The proposed turf athletic complex would include interconnected fields designed to support football, soccer, baseball, and softball. Plans also call for improved lighting, fencing, scoreboards, walking paths, bleachers, and upgraded locker room bathrooms and concession facilities. District officials note that the complex would reduce long-term field maintenance costs while allowing more consistent use throughout the school year.
School administrators say the project would improve physical education opportunities, allow more athletic events to be played at home, and provide elementary students with greater access to outdoor activity space. Community youth programs, including Little League and community soccer, would also be able to use the facilities outside of school hours.
The sale of the land is contingent on voter approval of the capital project. If the proposal is approved, the Board of Education would proceed with final approval of the land sale and move forward with construction. If the vote does not pass, the district would retain ownership of the land and the turf athletic complex would not be built.
The district encourages all eligible voters to review the proposal carefully and participate in the February 10th vote. You can access additional information regarding the proposal at ellicottvillecentral.com. Polls will be open from 1:00-8:00pm in the Elementary School Foyer.
Note: This article is based on information provided by the Ellicottville Central School District.