HIGHLAND  — After moving to purchase 564 State Route 55 in January, the Town of Highland has since announced it’s closing on the property.

Town Supervisor John Pizzolato said at the Town Board meeting on March 11 that the purchase is being paid 100 percent by ARPA funds. The property was appraised at $85,000, however the town acquired it for $78,000.

“We are very excited about the purchase, we feel that it is a very great safety net for the town given the proximity [to town hall],” the Supervisor said. “I am happy that we haven’t expended any of the town budget on our building.”

The Supervisor previously said that the town’s Comprehensive Plan makes a note to create more municipal parking, with this purchase being in line with that idea. 

He went on Tuesday night to confirm that the town is not looking to take any action on the building that currently stands on the lot “at this time” but will be looking to continue applications towards at least two grants, both of which required the purchasing of the property.

This purchase comes just after the town passed a resolution in a 4-1 vote on February 11 doubling down that a public referendum was not a requirement after receiving legal council from The Association of Towns of the State of New York and the New York State Comptroller’s Office. 

According to town resident Mary Ellen Carney, 137 other residents have also noted their disdain for the purchase without a public referendum, and have signed and submitted a petition to the town to complete one.