Schools
Field Renewal Project Would Cost Average Homeowner $60 a Year
Information about the proposal and the March special election is detailed on district website.
The average homeowner in East Hanover and Florham Park would pay about $60 a year over 20 years to pay off money the district hopes to borrow for a proposed field renewal project, according to estimates posted on the Hanover Park Regional High School District website.
The project, expected to cost a total of approximately $17.5 million for various improvements at Hanover Park and Whippany Park high schools, needs voter approval and will be up for vote in a special election scheduled for 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. March 12.
Answers to frequently asked questions, architectural designs, photos of current field conditions, and information about voter registration and absentee ballots also are available through the district's Fields Project page.
Find out what's happening in East Hanover-Florham Parkfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The price tag includes replacing and expanding the tracks, installing synthetic turf, multi-sport stadiums at both high schools, work on the tennis courts, baseball and softball fields, and Whippany Park parking areas. A breakdown of the costs is outlined in a PDF on the district website.
School officials say they have worked to extend the life of the athletic facilities over the years, but repairs have become more costly and sometimes cost prohibitive.
Find out what's happening in East Hanover-Florham Parkfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
"We have now reached the point to make our facilities safe for our students we must invest a considerable amount of money," according to a message on the district homepage.
The estimated tax impact assumes the funds are paid off over 20 years at 3.25 percent interest. The actual cost per homeowner would depend on their property's assessed value, and would be included as part of the property tax bill.
East Hanover Township
Annual cost per $100,000 of average home: $17.10
Assessed value of average home: $360,792
Average impact: $61.69
Florham Park
Annual cost per $100,000 of average home: $8.68
Assessed value of average home: $664,438
Average impact: $57.70
Hanover
Annual cost per $100,000 of average home: $12.65
Assessed value of average home: $421,392
Average impact: $53.32
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