By David Levington
The interminable meetings of the CCBC (Community Center Building Committee) have been disheartening. I had expected discussions of how to design a vibrant new center for the town’s seniors, but instead all I heard was talk about how to save money.
Residents seem preoccupied with the $93 million spent on our new schools and don’t want to add to our tax bills. They seem to forget that we are just continuing a process that began in 2010, when a study group concluded that Bemis Hall and the Hartwell Pods were inefficient. Thirteen years later after several interim reports, they are still questioning the need for something new, and decision time for a community center is here.
The warrant for the December 2 Special Town Meeting asks us to choose between three community center options. The option we choose will be further developed and put forward for final approval at the March 2024 Town Meeting and a ballot-box funding vote. If all that goes through, we should have a new community center in a few years.
But which option?
One of the options is totally unacceptable; its only benefit is that it saves money. It calls for the renovation of one of the old pods, and has LEAP (the after-school program for kids) remain in another unimproved pod.
The other two options each provide for a new community center and a facility for LEAP. The 100% option, expected to cost $24 million, offers a new building on one level with enough space for both LEAP and a gracious community center. The 75% option costs $19 million, leaves LEAP in a renovated pod, and provides “just enough” space for the Council on Aging & Human Services to continue its present programs.
Is that what we want, after a dozen years of planning? A new building (nice of course) but everything crammed into smaller spaces? The financial difference between the two options is about $5 million, which equates to about $150 per year difference in the property tax on an average home (under $100/year on a condo).
Our decision will determine what we will live with and experience for the next 20 years. I urge you to vote for the more generous plan. We seniors have always supported our schools and programs for children. We should do the equitable thing and give our seniors a beautiful new gathering place.
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The difference between the cheapest and most expensive is nearly a doubling of space – and the middle option is also a large increase in space. There is, again, no information on ongoing costs.
Many residents are already finding the increase in taxes difficult to bear.
Let us speak for ourselves. I’m a senior. I don’t want the most expensive option.
I also note that the numbers are only for construction. I find no estimates for continuing costs which will slowly increase over time as all costs do. What will the HVAC/internet/personal/snow removal/insurance/cleaning costs be? We have no data.
I understand your concerns. I don’t know what the operating expense will be, but I don’t see how they would increase much with a slightly larger building. And the more expensive building will be all new, while the other option re=habs an old pod.
Well said. Thank you David.
Sara F