LP Council interested in building public restroom facility

The Lake Placid Town Council might build a downtown public restroom facility next year.

During its meeting Monday night, the council directed John Komasa, its parks and recreation director, to come back next month with cost estimates.

The facility would be located in Stuart Park on Interlake Boulevard.

The building currently on that site, which is used by members of the Lake Placid Tourist Center Shuffleboard, would be torn down. Komasa said the "walls are coming apart" and it has water damage.

"It would be to the town's benefit to pull the building down," Komasa said.

The town owns the building and has leased it for nothing to the shuffleboard group.

Debra Worley made a presentation to the council, saying that the lack of public restrooms has been a big problem in downtown Lake Placid. She said there are people who take walking tours to view the murals as well as shoppers and runners who would use the facility. When special events are held, portable toilets have to be rented.

Worley showed a rendering of what a building could look like. She estimated that it would cost between $27,000 and $30,000. Sewer lines would have to be brought in, but water is already there.

Komasa said he thinks the cost might be higher than Worley's estimate. He noted the town will have to pay to demolish the building and haul away the debris.

Councilman Ray Royce said the building should be a top priority and added that he thinks the town ought to borrow the money if necessary.

Royce, who said he would support the idea as long as a storage area is constructed behind it for shuffleboard equipment, noted that he would like to see the building in place by the time the Caladium Festival is held in August 2010.