2013-03-STM-AC-rpt - Laserfiche WebLink

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APPROPRIATION COMMITTEE REPORT TO THE MARCH 2013 STM The sale of this property was initiated by the Scottish Rite in the spring of 2012, and this potential land purchase was discussed in executive session at meetings between the Board of Selectmen, Community Preservation Committee, Capital Expenditures Committee and Appropriations Committee. The Town's purchase of this property could address two community desires: to preserve the current roll- ing lawn gateway vista, and provide two solidly constructed, well- maintained buildings that could be re- purposed for a Community Center as well as administrative offices for some Town services. Additionally, the Scottish Rite has volunteered to share the use of their larger parking lot, as long as the town's use does not compromise parking availability during their own scheduled events. There are several potential uses for this property, the primary one being the creation of a Community Center. According to the Municipal Facilities plan that was delivered to the Board of Selectmen on De- cember 17, 2012, significant savings can be achieved by adapting the existing buildings as opposed to new construction. It is estimated that the cost of renovation of these facilities into a Community Center would be approximately $200 -$220 per sq. ft. versus an estimated $350 -$375 per sq. ft. for new construc- tion of a Community Center. Abbreviated Public Discussion Given the magnitude of the purchase price, the Committee would have preferred a longer period of public discussion regarding this purchase. However, as with most of the previous land purchases brought before Town Meeting, negotiations with the seller could not be concluded soon enough to make this possible. 2 Pre -Town Meeting Deliberations