Freeport Village is planning to turn its armory into a new trade school, according to News 12 New York. The proposal would give the aging building a new purpose while opening up hands-on training options for local students.
The village mayor told the station that officials are looking to bring in a group like BOCES to run the school. The idea would be to teach practical trades including electric, plumbing, heating, cooling and carpentry to students at the site.
According to the mayor, the plan is meant to create new opportunities for students while also saving the building itself. Rather than let the armory sit unused or fall into disrepair, the village would give it a role in training the next generation of skilled workers.
The armory has a long history in Freeport. It was built in 1961, and the village took it over in 2019, taking on responsibility for the property and its future as part of the community's public holdings.
The building is not standing empty in the meantime. The Merrick Fire Department uses some of the space, and the complex also houses a nursery school along with after-school sports programs, keeping it in active use by residents.
The trade school addition will be paid for using a $300,000 county grant, according to the report. The funding would help the village move forward with converting part of the armory into a place where students can learn a trade close to home.