Groton - The committee charged with recommending what should be done with the closed Noank Elementary School and its property has a bevy of options and is open to more.

The Noank School Re-use Task Force has posted a survey on the town's website and will accept responses until July 29.

"There has been much Noank community interest and the meetings have been well attended," the committee's chairman, Town Councilor Bruce Flax, said Monday. "There have been many ideas brought up. ... The major challenge, in my opinion, is money. There are substantial costs to demolish or to make the current structure habitable."

Demolition of the building and reclaiming the land has been estimated at $345,000, while refurbishing has been estimated at between $600,000 and $1.2 million.

Some of the suggestions made by residents and task force members during meetings include demolishing the building and using the six-acre site as a park, using the building for local parks and recreational functions or as an artist cooperative.

Some have proposed saving the gymnasium and its stage for community events. A village green with a new building large enough to hold community meetings has also been suggested.

The survey asks six questions, most of which reflect the suggestions of the committee. They include, among other things, what might be the best use of the property, offering choices of residential, recreational, community facilities, art co-op and open space. It also allows space for original ideas.

It also asks what should be done with the building and whether it should be renovated or demolished, partially or completely.

Some questions ask respondents to prioritize their choices. The survey also asks respondents if they pay taxes in Groton, live in Groton or in Noank and if so, how close to the school.

"It will be interesting to read the results of the survey and move forward," Flax said. "The big challenge is finding a common ground. Many diverse ideas have been discussed."

c.potter@theday.com