NewBrook voters split on energy projects

NEWFANE -- When it comes to NewBrook Elementary School's energy future, voters sent a mixed message during a lengthy, sometimes-contentious meeting Thursday night.

Residents from Newfane and Brookline turned down a 250-kilowatt solar-panel system that would have been constructed on school property. But voters later approved a companion project, which calls for a loan of up to $330,000 to install a new "air-to-air" heating and cooling system at the school. That electric-powered system is expected to be installed in time for winter, with the school's aging, oil-fueled boilers relegated to backup duty on only the coldest days.

"The voters want to see a different source other than burning fuel in there, which is a good thing. It will reduce our carbon footprint," said Ken McFadden, chairman of the Brookline-Newfane Joint School Board.

At the same time, however, McFadden is hoping voters will eventually reconsider the solar project, which had been envisioned as a power source for the new heating/cooling system.

"I don't think the solar part of it is dead. I just think it needs to be revisited with some clarification," he said.

With the elementary school's boiler and ventilation system in need of an overhaul, officials have spent more than three years looking at options including wood-fired and geothermal systems.

"I came into a situation where boilers were on their way out," NewBrook Principal Chris Pratt said Thursday. "I felt the need to explore alternative options rather than just replacing the boilers we already have."

Former school board member Kim Friedman, who still serves on an Energy Committee investigating the issue, said a primary goal was to "go as green as possible, but in a fiscally responsible way."

Other goals, listed on a handout at Thursday night's meeting, included:

-- Reduce or eliminate the school's carbon footprint.

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NewBrook voters split on energy projects