Consolidated School on auction block

By Amy Stewart BYRAM — Byram’s Consolidated School, and the 5.2-acre parcel on which it sits, will go up for auction on Wednesday, June 13, at 10 a.m., in the meeting room of Byram’s municipal building. Located on Lackawanna Drive, the issue of what to do with the property and the building has been discussed by the township council for several years. The now-vacant building costs the township approximately $90,000 a year to maintain, even in its current state of disrepair. The 24,400-square-foot building was built in 1936 and sold to the township in 2003 by the Byram Board of Education. It has since served as a private school, civic center and recreational facility, but was closed two years ago to the public. The building suffers from a leaking roof, mold issues and structural problems. The council had considered demolishing the building, but once officials learned that its basement wall supported the abutting Lackawanna Drive and any damage done to the roadway from demolition would have to be paid for by the township, they decided to sell the building as a cost saving measure. The decision was finalized in February of this year. The property carries a deed restriction limiting its use to educational, religious or municipal purposes, which was imposed by the original private owners who donated the property to the Board of Education. The sale in June will be for cash, with a non-refundable 10 percent deposit, the balance of which is due within 60 days of the township’s confirmation of sale. The building is subject to local zoning ordinances. The sale cannot be used to support any variance or relief from any ordinances. For more information contact Municipal Clerk Doris Flynn at 973-347-2500, extension 127 or dflynn@byramtwp.org. The Byram municipal building is located at 10 Mansfield Dr. in Byram.