Barbara, it seems to me that we could brainstorm solutions to problems like that, which I acknowledge do need to be addressed.
Do we really believe that issue (and issues like it) can’t be solved without constructing a brand new 8-figure building? That’s our best idea?
The feedback I’m hearing, which I wholeheartedly agree with, is that we need a fresh analysis of the needs. Along with a recognition of true budget constraints.
Remember though, we’ve authorized the expenditure of $325,000 on architectural plans to build a building. And we will get a set of architectural plans, because that’s what we’ve asked for. The cheapest “option” will be $12.5m… and up from there.
And if we aren’t careful, we’ll build a big building we don’t need and can’t afford. It will be underutilized and way oversized. And we’ll have to maintain it and the payments on the loan we had to take out to build it.
And shortly thereafter we’ll have to make even harder tradeoffs on the rest of the capital expenditures coming our way in the near future….
I hope folks who think this is fiscally irresponsible speak out and show up to vote.
Seth
Parking at Bemis Hall is an issue. To park in front of Bemis (in the few spaces that are there), means backing out onto Bedford Road which is scary and sometimes dangerous. If there is no activity at the church, that parking is available for Bemis events, but
again, one has to cross Bedford Road which is often busy and walk a fair distance if one is elderly and/or infirm.
Hello, Lynne. I agree wholeheartedly, that the CCBC and ICON are “aiming high” and monolithically. Given the number of vacant and under-utilized spaces in town, I cannot endorse the construction of an
expensive large new building. The very people that it is aiming to serve may not be able to afford the increase in their taxes.
Various people have asked, if such a building is constructed, what will happen to Bemis Hall, one of our town’s fine old buildings?
I agree that Bemis needs refurbishment and upgrades to serve the COA&HS programs, going forward. What would be the cost of the necessary refurbishments?
Pierce House has been mentioned as being suitable for some COA&HS activities. Is anyone pursuing this option? Again, upgrades (e.g. accessible bathrooms, an elevator) might be needed and their cost should
be investigated.
There is vacant space in the Mall area, and other space that might be re-purposed.
Lastly, I would like to learn more about Wayland’s plans for a community center – much smaller for a significantly larger town, and much less costly. Someone on the CCBC should look into this.
Several good points were made in the posting entitled “Why the Community Center must be at Harwell,” but I strongly objected to the use of the word “must.” That set the tone that the decision had already
been made, and that further community input (as to alternatives to Hartwell) was not being welcomed.
Let’s indeed be creative and further explore the options that have been put out there.
June Matthews
Greenridge Lane
From: Lincoln <[email protected]>
On Behalf Of Lynne Smith
Sent: Monday, May 8, 2023 9:19 AM
To: Lincoln <[email protected]>
Subject: [LincolnTalk] INF: CCBC Forum Opinion
Below is the article I wrote for the Lincoln Squirrel on the April 25 Forum.
![]()
The Community Center Building Committee (CCBC), with the help of ICON Architecture, is hitting its stride. At the April 25th Forum, I was glad to see a draft of space needs for a new
building but disappointed by the size and number of rooms being considered.
ICON project manager Mark McKivitz emphasized that the draft was preliminary and will be fleshed out in the next two weeks, but the 18,000 square feet for the Parks & Recreation Department
and the Council on Aging & Human Services plus 5,000 square feet for the LEAP after-school program is a huge starting point — 23,000 square feet of new space! The architects said they think a two-story building will be required and much site development will
be needed.
The volunteers and the architects are working hard and I appreciate this effort. However, they all seem convinced that a totally new building is the way to go. I am still not convinced.
Given today’s high interest rates, inflation-affected construction costs, and the resulting impact on taxes, I still hope for a more creative solution involving renovation of current spaces and the use of the many acceptable spaces in town. At minimum, we
must see a 50% option for a new building, not just a 75% option.
CCBC is truly committed to getting the community involved and has scheduled public forums on May 23 and June 13. Their communications have ramped up on LincolnTalk and those who are
on the CCBC mailing list are receiving updates regularly.
The town must do something about the need for improved space for PRD and for COA&HS, and the CCBC wants the community to participate now rather than wait until the vote at the Special
Town Meeting in November. I urge everyone in town to sign up on the CCBC mailing list and attend the upcoming forums [editor’s note: the next one is on Tuesday, May 23]. Information is on the CCBC website at LincolnCommunityCenter.com.
-- The LincolnTalk mailing list.To post, send mail to [email protected].Browse the archives at https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/.Change your subscription settings at https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/lincoln.
|
