Lucy Mott would be happy.
Plans to renovate Bellport’s Community Center, a gift from Mott, who donated the land and some of the funds needed to build the village’s vibrant social and governmental hub, are underway.
Bellport was approved for a $187,500 State and Municipal Facilities Program/ New York State Dormitory Authority Funding grant, obtained under former Sen. Monica Martinez’s watch last year.
Architect Geoffrey Weber was hired.
“He has to design and set the specifications,” said mayor Ray Fell, who said the process includes review by New York State’s Historical Preservation Office. “I’m hoping to get the bids out in spring and to start in September or October."
The project includes main floor and stage wood floor replacement, new ceiling over the stage, a new air conditioning system on the main and lower floors, creating one additional bathroom, a fire alarm update on the main floor including heat detectors, carbon monoxide detector, strobe light, horn strobes, and a fob electronic key system for locking and unlocking doors in the lower level.
“It was estimated that the main floor has to be replaced,” Fell said. “The floor needs refinishing and you can’t sand the wood down anymore.”
Installing strobe lights as part of the fire alarm system would alert the deaf or hard of hearing should a fire break out.
“The system would be upgraded to current codes and standards,” he added.
The air conditioning system is 35 years old; a system exists only on the main floor right now. Also, another bathroom would be created, so there would be two on the main floor.
The last renovation project transformed the basement and bowling alley, a successful rehaul with money from two sources.
“The Bellport Village Program Fund [the nonprofit that pays for improvement through private donations and grants] paid for the renovation of the bowling alley and the village paid for the recreational area of the room, about $100,000,” Fell said.
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