HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-02-06-SCAP-rpt Town of Lexington
Report of the
Senior Center Action Plan Committee
6 February 2006
The Senior Center Action Plan Committee (SCAPC)was charged with reviewing and assessing the
programmatic and space requirements of the Senior Center. reviewing and assessing site options
identified b` earlier site selection committees and identifying one for further pursuit; and establishing a
budget and timeline for the design and completion of a new Senior Center (See Exhibit A, Senior Center
Action Plan Committee, for SCAPC s complete charge and Exhibit B for a list of committee members )
The Committee determined.
• The Council on Aging (COA)will require about 28 000 square feet to support its programs
over the next 15 years, including a 24 000 SF Senior Center and a 4 000 SF Supportive Da\ Care
facilrt` To provide a two-store building, and parking for 100 cars, a viable site must be at least
two acres of useable land depending upon setbacks and the configuration of the site (See Exhibit
C COA Program Worksheet, for detailed space need calculations )
• Neither the existing Muzze` Senior Center nor the Supportive Da\ Care facilrt` at 22 Mill
Street in Lincoln adequatel` supports the COA s immediate near-term, or long-term,
programmatic needs
The Senior Center, at less than 10 000 SF is too small, oddl` configured, and needs
renovation and repairs While some consider the space attractive,the Senior Center is
functionall` obsolescent.
22 Mill Street is subject to a short-term lease from Minuteman Regional High School, is
located in Lincoln far from most Lexington seniors is barel` adequate for the 30 clients
now served, and incapable of supporting the 40 clients the COA hopes to serve
• Of the potential sites considered b` the Senior Center Siting Committee in 2000-2001 the
SCAPC identified four sites as being available for further consideration.
The former Harrington School
Meriam Street Parking Lot
Muzze` Pla\ Field
The former Munroe School
(See Exhibit D Current Status of Origmall` Identified Sites, for a full list of sites
considered b` this committee )
• Each of these sites presents challenges, issues, and complications
The former Harrington School will not be available for at least 10 to 15 years The
School Committee plans to use Harrington as swing space to complete either renovations
to or construction of new schools at the four remaining elementarn school sites The
timing and level of funding available from the State s School Building Assistance
Program are unpredictable at this time
2
Building a new Senior Center on the Meriam Street Parking Lot would require a multi-
level parking structure After allocating appropriate space for Senior Center parking,
there would be fewer spaces for public parking than are currentl` available This is the
onl\ site that would require a parking garage be built to accommodate parking needs
Building on Muzzey Play Field and/or adding space to the existing Senior Center would
be problematic for a varlet` of reasons The pla\ field is not large enough to
accommodate the building and parking necessary An addition to the existing Senior
Center would require amending the Muzze\ High Condominium master deed and would
require approval b\ the Muzze\ condo owners The Recreation Committee would be
forced to find another field to accommodate Lexington youth soccer programs
The former Munroe School is too small to accommodate both a new Senior Center and
Supportive Da\ Care program, has limited parking, and is currentl` occupied b\ a
communit\ arts center
(See Exhibit E, Prelimmarn Project Cost Estimates, for information on renovation and/or
construction costs for each of these four sites )
BEST OPTION RENOVATE EXISTING SENIOR CENTER AND MUNROE SCHOOL
• The former Munroe School, in conjunction with the existing Muzze\ Senior Center presents
the best approach. The current Senior Center would be substantiall\ renovated to house the
Supportive Da\ Care program and social services, while the Senior Center social programs and
activities would be housed in a renovated Munroe Center with expanded on-site parking. The
new Senior Center at the former Munroe School could provide meeting and activit\ space for
other communit\ needs in much the same wa` the Librarn meeting room does
• The former Munroe School is the onl\ viable and reasonable currentl` identified site for a
new Senior Center Apart from the former Munroe School,the SCAPC sees no near term
solution for the COA programmatic needs The SCAPC is not aware of an additional Town-
owned sites or existing buildings that will meet the COA s needs
• If the Board authorizes feasibilit\ studies of these two sites within the next three months,then
the renovations to Muzze\ and to the Munroe School could be completed for occupanc` b\ 2010
(See Exhibit F Prelimmarn Project Schedule )
RECOMMENDATIONS
• The Board of Selectmen should determine before the 2006 annual town meeting how the
former Munroe School can best serve the communit\
• If the Board of Selectmen decides that the Munroe School should be used for COA programs,
then the SCAPC recommends that the Board immediatel` authorize the Permanent Building
Committee to undertake a feasibilit\ stud\ to confirm that the existing Senior Center and Munroe
School will accommodate the COA program,to develop cost estimates and to provide other
needed information that would impact the scope of the renovations. (See Exhibit G Proposed
Scope of Feasibilit\ Stud\ )
• Should the Board determine that the former Munroe School be used for some purpose other
than COA programs,the SCAPC recommends that the Board of Selectmen establish a new
committee whose charge would be to identif\ and acquire an appropriate site from a private part\
3
SCHEDULE OF EXHIBITS
Exhibit A. Committee Charge
Exhibit B Committee Membership
Exhibit C COA Program Worksheet
Exhibit D Sites Considered
Exhibit E Preliminary Project Cost Estimates
Exhibit F Preliminary Project Schedule
Exhibit G Proposed Scope of Feasibility Study
Senior Center Action Plan Committee
Exhibit C
Council on Aging Program Worksheet
Existing and Proposed Square Footage
Existing November 2005
Program Element Spaces Proposal Comments
Senior Center Existing spaces in Muzzey Condominium, 1475 Mass Ave
Welcoming and Hospitality
Entry' 424 500
Reception 100 150 Could be incorporated in administrative area
Lounge/Waiting Area 400
Coat Closet 40 400
Storage 150
Janitor's Closet 80
Restrooms 543 500
Subtotal:Welcoming/Hospitality 1,107 2,180
Multipurpose Room
Large studio that can be divided into three studios for
Multipurpose Room 4,500 exercise classes,dining,other programs,kitchen at one
end,place for risers/platform at other
Multipurpose Room Storage 500 Stacking chairs,tables,AV equipment,etc
Subtotal:Multipurpose Room 0 5,000
Fitness and Exercise
Exercise/Dance Studios 935 0 Use multipurpose room that can be divided as needed
Exercise Equipment Room 750 Limited number of aerobic exercise machines
Billiards 350 Currently located in open exercise space
Table Tennis 936 1,000 Two tables @ 500SF each
Storage 200 Store table tennis tables when not used
Subtotal: Fitness and Exercise 1,871 2,300
Classroom/Conference Rooms
Muzzey Room 692 1,000
Muzzey Closet 96 0
Classrooms 335 1,100 Two @ 550 SF
Conference Rooms 268 800 Two @ 400 SF
Storage 200
Subtotal:Classrooms/Conference Rooms 1,391 3,100
I I
Library,Shops,and Studios
Library/Reading Room 280 600
Windowpane Shop 353 500
Windowpane Shop Storage 60 100
Elmer Bull Fix It Shop 368 700
Elmer Bull Fix It Shop Storage 100
Arts and Crafts Studio 1,200 One flexible space
Ceramics Studio 0
Music Studio 0 Use multipurpose room
Computer Storage 80 80 Laptops on carts for use in various spaces
Subtotal:Library,Shops,and Studios 1,141 3,280
Counseling/Volunteer/Administrative
Administrative
Director 145 150 Private office
Office Manager 121 80
Department Clerk 56 80
Volunteer Coordinator 120 New position
Program Coordinator 184 120 New position
Copier/Printer/Fax 65
Staff Break/Lunch Room 150 Same size as private office
Subtotal:Administrative 506 765
SCAPC Report-Exhibit C, 1 Feb 06 1 of 2 1/31/06
Senior Center Action Plan Committee
Exhibit C
Council on Aging Program Worksheet
Existing and Proposed Square Footage
Existing November 2005
Program Element Spaces Proposal Comments
Counseling
Social Workers(3) 374 360 Private offices Three @ 120 SF
Nurse 100
Veterans'Agent 100
Examination/Screening Rooms(2) 240 Two @ 120 SF
Conference Room 150
Health Consultation 0 Included in Exam/Screening rooms
Closet 42 0
Subtotal:Counseling 416 950
Subtotal:Counseling/Volunteer/Administrative 922 1,715
Food Services
Dining Room 1,667 0 Use multipurpose room added above
Kitchen 396 800 Located at one end of multipurpose room
Dining Room/Kitchen Storage 112 50 See multipurpose room storage
Subtotal: Food Services 2,175 850
Mechanical and circulation(30%) 766 5,528 No mechanical space accounted for in existing total
Senior Center Subtotal 9,373 23,953
22 Mill St:Adult Supportive Day Care
Dining/Activity Room 900 1,200 Assume 33%growth to 40 clients/day
Activity Rooms(2) 288 400
Staff Offices 144 300
Kitchen and Laundry 350
Bathrooms and Lavatory 400
Garage(heated seating,access ramp) 500
Open porch 750 SF(15 x 50)
Other 1,028 Plug figure to equal total area in ADC Report
Mechanical and circulation(20%) 630
Adult Supportive Day Care Subtotal 2,360 3,780
Total Interior Space 11,733 27,733 Gross square feet
Site Improvements/Site Requirements
Parking and Traffic Circulation
#of Parking Spaces for Residents 71 Muzzey total 131,each unit entitled to one space
#of Parking Spaces for Senior Center 60 100 Meet additional peak parking needs on-street
Site Required for Parking and Traffic Circulation
Parking lot area(SF) 48,000 36,000 Assume 25%reduction from 131 existing spaces to 100
On-site roads and sidewalks(SF) 12,000 9,000 One-way entrance and exit
Estimated Square Feet Required 60,000 45,000
Flower and Vegetable Garden 3,500 3,500
Outdoor Seating and Gathering Spaces 2,000
Building Footprint 14,000 Assume two-story building
Total Site Requirement 63,500 64,500 At least 2 acres required
Notes on Total Site Requirement
1 The"Total Site Requirement"of 64,500 square feet does not include any allowances for setbacks, landscaped buffers,etc
2 The configuration and topography of a site may limit site development Any site less than two acres may not be adequate
SCAPC Report-Exhibit C, 1 Feb 06 2 of 2 1/31/06
Exhibit D
Current Status of Originally Identified Sites
Removed from consideration
Lowell Street
(May be unbuildable lot, has water/sewer problems)
Meriam Street Parking Lot
(Would require a multilevel building and underground parking)
Metropolitan State Hospital
(Recently researched, Kline Hall could not be made to work)
Militia Drive
(Privately owned, expensive, would require major renovations)
Pelham Road (Highland Avenue)
(Transferred to conservation)
Walgreen's
(Could not establish partnership with owner)
North Street
(Transferred to conservation)
Not now available
430 Concord Avenue
(Privately owned, existing buildings, remediation of land probably needed)
Waldorf School
(BOS voted in 2000 not to exercise town's option to acquire property; renovations
costly; would have to eliminate playing field to accommodate parking)
Harrington School
(Under control of School Committee, needed for swing space for schools for
several more years)
Unlikely or Impractical
201 Bedford Street
(BOS voted to retain DPW at site, not likely room for both facilities)
Wood Street
(Remote location, only accessible via a secondary road)
Worthen Road
(Under jurisdiction of School Committee, parking limited (and perhaps in
competition with students, environmental concerns)
Remaining possible sites
Munroe Center
(Site may be too small, especially if it is to accommodate Senior Center and
Center for the Arts, parking limitations)
Muzzey Play Field
(Would eliminate a less-than-regulation size soccer playing field, question of
`ownership' of the site)
Harrington (9)
Prepared bN Manan A.0 Cohen
October 23 2005
Town of Lexington
Senior Center Action Plan Committee
Exhibit E
Preliminary Project Cost Estimates
Parking
Renovations Construction Structure Total
$213/SF $250/SF $20,000/space Project Cost Comments
Harrington School 5,964,000 0 0 5,964,000 Renovate 28,000 SF of 55,000 SF available
Meriam Street Parking Lot 0 7,000,000 2,000,000 9,000,000 100 parking spaces in garage for COA
Muzzey Senior Center 1,996,449 0 0 1,996,449 Renovate existing 9,373 SF available
Munroe School 4,526,676 0 0 4,526,676 Renovate 21,252 gross SF available
Muzzey Field -New Construction 0 7,000,000 0 7,000,000 28,000 SF new building
Muzzey Field -Renovate/Construct 1,996,449 4,500,000 0 6,496,449 Use existing Senior Center @ 9,373 SF
Construct 18,000 SF on field
Recommended Option: Renovate existing Senior Center and Munroe School
Renovate Senior Center 1,996,449
Renovate Munroe School 4,526,676
Total Estimate 6,523,125
Notes and Assumptions
1 COA program requires 28,000 SF (including 4,000 SF for Adult Day)and 100 parking spaces
2 Phil Poinelli, Chair, Permanent Building Committee, suggests estimating new construction costs
at$250/SF and major renovations at 85% of the cost of new construction (85% of$250/SF = $212 50/SF)
3 Harrington School cost of renovations does not include any costs for demolishing or renovating
the roughly 27,000 SF remaining in the building that are not needed for COA programs
4 Meriam Street Parking Lot project cost estimate includes only a parking structure for the 100 cars to
meet COA program requirements However, building a new senior center and adult supportive day facility
and the associated parking structure would require building a parking structure to replace lost surface parking spaces
SCAPC Report- Exhibit E, 2 Feb 06 1 of 1 1/29/06
TOWN OF LEXINGTON
SENIOR CENTER ACTION PLAN COMMITTEE
EXHIBIT F
PRELINIINARY PROJECT SCHEDULE
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Activities 2Q 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q
Predesign
Evaluation of Alternative Sites b b b b
Site Selection i
Select Architect for Feasibility Study
Design
Feasibility Study b b
Schematic Design b b
Design Development b b b b
Construction Documents b b b b
Construction Administration b b b b b b b b
Construction
Bidding
Groundbreaking 0
Construction b b b b b b b b
Ribbon-Cutting
Town Actions
Selectmen approve site 1/
Selectmen report to TM. site
selection,feasibility study
preliminary budget and schedule
COA reports to TM. feasibility
conceptual design,budget, schedule:
TM appropriates design funds
TM approves project cost and debt 1/
exclusion override
Debt Exclusion Override Vote 1/
2Q 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
SCAPC Report -Exhibit F 1 Feb 06 Page 1 of 1 1/29/06
Senior Center Action Plan Committee
EXHIBIT G
PROPOSED SCOPE OF FEASIBILITY STUDY
OBJECTIVE OF THE FEASIBILITY STUDY
• To determine the scope and cost of renovations, upgrades, and additions to the existing
Muzzey Senior Center and to the former Munroe School to support the Council on Aging's
anticipated program needs for the next 15 years.
SCOPE OF NECESSARY SERVICES
Facilities Audits
Perform facilities audits of the Muzzey Senior Center and the Munroe School to assess the
existing condition of all building components, including, but not limited to parking areas and on-
site roadways the building envelope structural systems mechanical, electrical, and plumbing
systems fire alarm and fire protection systems elevators interior finishes etc
Code Compliance Review
Identif` all upgrades and improvements to the Muzzey Senior Center and the Munroe School
needed to enable these facilities to comply with all relevant and current building codes,
accessibility regulations, and other regulations governing use of these facilities by and for seniors
Zoning and Other Town Regulations
Identif` and document all zoning requirements that would affect changes or additions to the
Muzzey Senior Center and Munroe School, including zoning provisions that would govern
building and site development on the Munroe play field.
Historic Districts Commission Jurisdiction
Determine the extent to which the Historic Districts Commission has jurisdiction over building
additions, new construction, and exterior changes to the Muzzey Senior Center and to the Munroe
School.
Conceptual Site Plan and Floor Plan Options
Prepare conceptual site plans and floor plans demonstrating the extent to which the existing
Muzzey Senior Center and Munroe School would accommodate the COA s program space
requirements The conceptual site plan for the Munroe School site should demonstrate
alternatives for parking and building an addition to the school or a new buildings on Munroe
playfield.
Cost Estimates
Prepare and present order of magnitude construction and project cost estimates, including costs
per square foot, for the all options identified.
Schedules
Prepare and present schedules for each option showing estimated time required for annual and
special town meeting approvals, design, construction, and occupancy.
Ranking and Recommendations
Rank the options and recommend the option that will provide the most cost-effective and
administratively straightforward approach to addressing the COA s program needs
SCAPC Report-Exhibit G, 1 Feb 06