Far from Myth
In response to the Oct. 3 letter “Already on the Hook” from Paul Padelli, the Ad Hoc Academy Community Center Design Committee would like to address the shortcomings and inaccuracies in Mr. Padelli’s letter.
Our committee has diligently researched estimates for the renovation cost, potential cost offsets (historic preservation tax credits and grants could possibly save several million dollars), operating costs (staffing, maintenance, and utilities), and potential revenue streams. Far from being mythical, our estimates are based on extensive input from consultants Colliers International, QA+M Architects, the Madison Beach & Recreation Department, the Madison finance director, the Madison director of human resources, and the Madison facilities director. Our estimates of possible cost offsets for historic preservation come directly from meetings with the State Historic Preservation Office and with the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation.
Far from believing that this is a done deal, our committee submitted a CIP application on July 1. This application will be reviewed by the town finance director, the CIP Committee, the Board of Selectmen, and the Board of Finance. Only after passing muster by all these parties would the proposal be placed on a referendum where, appropriately, the fate of a community center would be squarely in the hands of Madison voters.
Our committee has made extensive efforts to be open and transparent about our findings. All of our meetings are noticed and open to the public. We have conducted five public information sessions. We have made public presentations to the Board of Selectmen, the Board of Finance, the Beach & Rec Commission, and the Facilities Committee of the Board of Education. Full copies of our reports are available at www.madisonct.org/ACCD under “Final Report” and “Presentation to the Board of Selectmen (July 30, 2019)”.
Bill Stableford, Chair
Ad Hoc Academy Community Center Design Committee
Madison