ELMIRA, N.Y. (WENY) -- After months of waiting, a final decision has been made about the fate of Elmira's Brand Park Pool.  On Monday night, the council accepted a bid to demolish the pool, more than a year after the city initially said the pool was to be torn down.

The city accepted a bid from John F & John P Wenzel Contractors, Inc. at a cost of $93,640.00.  City officials say the pool is too costly to repair, and instead a playground and splash pad will be going in its place.  The new playground and splash pad will cost $895,029.26.  Both projects are being paid for with American Rescue Plan Funds (ARP).

"We don't have a demolition date set as of yet," said Elmira City Manager Michael Collins.  "We are required to have it approved prior to December 31st because it is ARP monies. We already have the cost that it's going to be for the demolition. So our Buildings and Grounds Director will contact the company that's going to be doing the demolition and, again, that will be in the near future, but a specific date has not been awarded as of yet."

Several people spoke against this resolution in the public comment section.  The vote passed six to one.  Councilman Nick Grasso was the lone vote against the resolution, saying he thinks the decision is not to the greater benefit of the Elmira community.