The Town’s dialogue regarding the proposed Community Center
is engaging, healthy and vital. However, many of the comments being
expressed would be made no matter what the budget – the initial $10-15M estimated
cost or the current COVID and inflationary driven $25M. Many townspeople simply
don’t want to see additional tax increases, don’t know fully the program needs and
current condition of the COA, Recreation Department and LEAP facilities or don’t know of the
diligent work of the Community Center Committees that date back to 2012. Many of the suggestions and recommendations being
made- whether thinking ‘out of the box’ or being ‘prudent and cost conscious’ seem
to be out of step with the process, uninformed by the work completed to date or
are more direct in wanting to prematurely
shut down further town-wide consideration of a Community Center.
I am surprised at the apparent lack of good faith that those
who have been directing this project to date have not thought of – and heard –
and evaluated each suggestion offered. Does no one think that the Community
Center Committees have not examined Bemis and Pierce Hall?, not looked at
concurrent uses with the school programs?, not researched relevant program use
data and benchmarking from other towns?, not been mindful of costs, budgetary
constraints and the community’s reception to property tax increases?- especially
following the school project???
Voting YES on the next week’s ballot only approves limited
monies for the further development of the proposed Community Center – a process
that I would expect would be as transparent and participatory as the school
project had been- incorporating the myriad voices and concerns now being
expressed while also allowing for the possibility of securing private funds to
help offset any future potential tax increase.
We are all privileged to live in this remarkable town – but privilege
should prompt responsibility. Lincoln’s uniqueness is inextricably intertwined
with its large sized properties, extensive conservation lands, farms and network
of trails- all of which are universally appreciated and valued. However – the same
lack of population and housing density can make Lincoln an extremely
challenging place to live well and thrive in as we age – as we
ALL age.
The Community Center Project embodies a VISION that is lost
in much of the current dialogue of costs, budgets and potential taxes – one
that should be considered in the context of wanting Lincoln to be a community
that has the amenities, facilities and services that make it a desirable and
more manageable town to live in for all of one’s life.
Michael Dembowski