By Matt Youngfrau
MONTICELLO — April 4, 2003 – After three months of negotiations, representatives from the Pro Prospects Baseball/Softball Training School and the Town of Thompson have agreed to the sale of some property to build the school. The final bit of negotiations and the approval of the sale took place at the Town of Thomspon’s Board meeting on Tuesday, April 1.
The parcel of land Pro Prospects is seeking to purchase is on Cold Spring Road. The property, which consists of 1.06 acres, is the former facility for the Town of Thompson Department of Public Works.
Pro Prospects was represented by owner Steve Pinto and attorney Tim Havas. One sticking point for Pro Prospects was the fact that in the contract it stated that if Pinto did not complete the project within one year, ownership of the property would revert back to the town.
“It creates an undue burden,” Havas stated. “We have negotiated in the utmost of good faith. There could be many unforseen circumstances.”
The board members assured Havas and Pinto that they would work with them. If there were problems, they advised Pro Prospects to come back and they would be granted an extension.
Also, they extended the time limit to two years and agreed to return Pinto’s $21,000 for the purchase. That was agreed upon and approved by the board. Havas and Town of Thompson Attorney Bill Rosen will work out the contract to be signed within 30 days.
Pro Prospects opened in 1997 and teaches approximately 200 children per year. The proposed facility would have four batting cages, allowing for four lessons at a time. The building would be 60 ft. by 115 ft. with a 20 ft. ceiling.
However, the project still needs the approval of the Town of Thompson Planning Board. Pro Prospects is expected to submit plans to the board in the near future.
The school is expected to be open by summer 2004.