Ambler Council Tables Vote on Mattison Avenue Elementary Purchase

With a $3.6 million price tag for purchase and renovation of the former Mattison Avenue Elementary School, Ambler Borough Council wants to continue getting all its ducks into a row before approving the purchase of the school for a future borough hall and community center.
The Ambler Gazette reports that Ambler Borough Council Tuesday tabled a vote during a hearing to convert the school to borough use until more information can be finalized on rehab and operating costs.
The borough is targeting to spend $2.35 million—this after an estimated $850,000 appraisal for the current borough hall, application of a $1.5 million Department of Community and Economic Development grant, and a proposed $2.5 million loan, according to the article. Mortgage and additional costs would total $12,000 monthly. Ambler Borough owns the water and sewer systems, and a contribution to both utilities would reduce the monthly mortgage rate.
Borough Manager Mary Aversa said the mortgage could be covered by the $140,000 annual business privilege tax.
While people like Councilman Tom Kenney are weary about hidden electrical costs and the like, others, like Councilwoman Pat Strus, are for the Mattison Avenue Elementary purchase.
For comments from the meeting and more, check out this link.