2023-04-10-CEC-ATM-rpt-update - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

UPDATE TO CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2023 ATM Article 10: Appropriate the FY2024 Funds Funding Committee Community Preservation Requested Source Recommends Committee Operating Budget and CPA Projects (Multiple Categories) See Below CPF (Cash &Bonded) See Below U dated Project Description(Category) Amount Funding Source Committee Recommends Requested (a) Stone Building Design and Repairs $400,000 CPF (Cash) Disapproval 5-1 (Historic Resources) "This request is for the first phase of a major repair, renovation and addition to the historic Ellen Stone Building in East Lexington. Overall this project seeks to restore the floor plan and interior finishes to those recommended in the 2009 Stone Building Historic Structure Report, and to make the building functional for a future tenant. This initial request is to engage an architect for design and design documents for the project. Future phases of the project will seek funding for stabilization, repairs and renovations to the foundation, stormwater management system, roof, and exterior finishes. The larger project will make the building fully accessible, including the construction of an elevator, stairwell to serve as a second means of egress and bathrooms,as well as structural and safety improvements to the interior sub-flooring,windows, sprinklers and electrical systems.Lastly,other interior renovations will be requested to suit a future tenant." (Brown Book,Page XI-17, 410) Five Committee members believe this request is premature and that any renovations to the Stone Building, which is already adequately stabilized, are not a priority at this time. Restoring the structure is currently estimated to be$10.9 million in present-day dollars, an amount that will be a drain on CPF resources and cause additional borrowing at a time when the Town will be depending on those funds to finance higher priority projects such as the library renovation and affordable housing. Specifically, if this project is approved, the CPF will be borrowing$400,000 more to pay for the Munroe Center for the Arts which is an important project now and that stands ready with design for construction to enhance a venue for on- going, constructive, activities.Moreover,funding$400,000 is considered excessive when there has not been an adequate first step in the required design effort under the Town's Integrated Building Design and Construction Policy to also add credibility to the cost estimate. Also, the planned multistage construction process is not the most efficient approach. We have seen this start-stop-startprocess with the police station. For all these reasons, we believe the Town should not be initially commiting the requested$400,000. One Committee member,following further information on the past and current advance of the Lexington Lyceum Advocates (LLA) toward being a potential tenant, believes it is prudent now to continue this proposed funding so as to move forward toward the restoration of the Stone Building.