Residents will have several opportunities in the coming months to offer input on discussions about the design and cost of a potential community center starting in April, when they will be asked to prioritize programs in the building and distinguish “essential” from “desired.”
The Community Center Building Committee has created a new website, lincolncommunitycenter.com, with progress reports, FAQs on the site’s Outreach page, and a document on lessons learned from other communities pertaining to the design of a community center in the post-Covid era.
Earlier this month, the CCBC and Select Board chose ICON Architecture to develop conceptual designs and cost estimates with options not to exceed 75% and 50% of the $25 million estimate floated in November 2022. Their work will begin by studying the cost implications of site work and programming options. They will share initial thoughts about building siting and conceptual design choices in May, when the CCBC and the community will consider how best to align to the budget targets, according to the CCBS schedule posted on March 17. Residents will vote on a preferred option and budget at a Special Town Meeting in November.
I’m glad to have the opportunity to comment on ‘essential’ versus ‘desired’ elements of a community ‘center’.