Indoor pool closed
The indoor swimming pool at the Richard and Norma Small Multi-Sports Center has been closed since December after county health officials determined the deck surface was unsafe. Based on engineers’ evaluation of the deck and deterioration of pool walls, the college has determined it is not practical to maintain the pool but is undecided about replacing the pool, pending long-term plans for development of the athletics and fitness facilities.
The pool, located in the original Field House area of the sports center, was available to the Cornell community plus area residents who purchased memberships to the Hilltop Fitness Club. Cornell has not had competitive swimming teams since 1995. The pool opened in 1953 when the Field House was dedicated.
145 acres sold
Cornell has sold 145 acres southwest of the campus that had been leased for farming—123 acres along Palisades Road to a Mount Vernon developer and 22 acres to the Mount Vernon School District. The school district has discussed building a middle school on the property, located west of the high school. Proceeds from the sale will be reinvested in Cornell’s endowment.
The 145 acres were part of a 235-acre parcel Cornell purchased in 1965. Pieces of the larger parcel have been sold over the years. As the remaining 145 acres became more desirable for residential development, the college realized farming was not the best use for the land and decided to sell. Cornell’s campus is 129 acres.
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