Progress Being Made on Future of Parker School

Progress is being made on the future of the former Parker Elementary after years of city ownership. The City of Cortland has owned the former elementary school since December of 2021. Originally, plans were in place for the YWCA and CAPCO to renovate and provide space for child care services; the plan was abandoned after high costs.

Since then the building has been sitting vacant and racking up hundreds of thousands of dollars to the City of Cortland for maintenance and utilities. Last year in June of 2023, a proposal from the Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services was brought to the table for the former school, but after outcry by residents, the City of Cortland decided to send out another Request for Proposals for the property.

Cortland Mayor Scott Steve told X101 News there is still interest in the property from developers with negotiations ongoing, but progress being made. No final commitments have been made. Mayor Steve hopes progress can continue being led in the right direction for something to then be presented to the Parker School Committee for their review and recommendations.

Residents and members of the community will have an opportunity to review and share their input if a proposed project is brought forth. Mayor Steve noted the concerns that have been brought up by neighbors were listened to when working with developers on finding use for the former school.

There is no set date for when a proposed project will come to the Parker School Committee and then Common Council as of now.