Updated: French School Comments on Ridgeway

The French-American School of New York (FASNY) signed a contract to purchase on Dec. 7 to consolidate their three schools into one, according to a letter FASNY sent out to their school community. 

The school will officially own the property on Jan. 20, according to the letter which was posted on a blog. Geoff Thompson, a spokesperson for the school, confirmed that FASNY sent out the letter to the school community.

FASNY said the purchase price forwas $8.5 million and that an additional $2.5 million "bonus" will be paid to the country club if FASNY gets the necessary permits from the city of White Plains for the project within three years.

The letter said it will take two years before the clubhouse is retrofitted before new buildings are constructed.

"As a school with an international reputation for its high quality, FASNY is an excellent buyer for this property, far more attractive than a condominium development or other similar alternatives," the letter says. "The School has always enhanced its surrounding communities, and we will take concrete measures to assure the White Plains authorities and the residents on all sides of the that we intend to act in the best interests of all stake-holders involved in this project."

FASNY said they have a team of top rate architects, engineers and environmental consultants to plan and execute the project. They also acknowledge that obtaining permits is time consuming, and can sometimes be a contentious process.

"There may also be times during the public review process when FASNY is characterized in the media in a way you do not recognize, and when our motives and plans are challenged," the letter says. "We promise you that FASNY will proceed at all times during this process with the integrity and openness which characterize our School. We will also endeavor to keep you informed throughout the process."