Below is my article in the Lincoln Squirrel.
My Turn: CCBC has reduced space but questions remain about cost
May 21, 2023
By Lynne Smith
<https://lincolnsquirrel.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/myturn-sm-feb2021.jpg>
At its May 17 meeting, CCBC and ICON Architecture claimed they reduced the
space needed for a new building by 8,000 square feet compared to the space
proposed in 2018 by Maryann Thompson Architects. ICON’s Ned Collier said the
current program is “going in the direction of 75%” of the 2022 cost option of
$25 million. They will “reduce programming for a 50% option” and also provide a
100% option at the June 13 meeting before the summer hiatus.
In my opinion, and based on those expressed in the CCBC survey results, the
upper amounts are unlikely to win approval at any Town Meeting and are surely a
waste of time for the committee and the architects. A 50% option for a new
building would cost $12.5 million and that may be more than most will want.
Also at the May 17 meeting, ICON presented a chart showing 6,700 square feet of
space to be shared among COA/HS, PRD, LEAP (the after-school program), and
Magic Garden (the pre-school program). While the chart showed many activities
for an average week, there was a great deal of space that was not accounted for
— shown as FT (Free Time) on the chart — and other blocks of time that were
inexplicable, such as the five hours in the kitchen spent for Meals on Wheels.
The chart also indicated the maximum number each room would hold, not the
number who actually have attended. I was not convinced of the need for this
much space, much less the additional unshared space required for
administration, LEAP, support and maintenance, which totals around 11,000
square feet. I assume the shared-space chart and the description of unshared
space will soon be available on the CCBC website.
Many participants suggested using existing town spaces for programming. Dan
Pereira explained that CCBC was not considering using any buildings that were
not town-owned. This surprised many of us who are aware that Lincoln and other
towns happily use churches and schools for senior and youth programming, and
some suggested that leasing privately owned buildings could work very well. As
one of the amenders of the 2022 vote, I was surprised to learn that “only
town-owned buildings” were being considered.
The April CCBC survey results, including free-form comments, are now available
on the CCBC website <https://lincolncommunitycenter.com/>. These comments
reveal much about the mood of the town: questions about the need for a
community center and the location, but primarily questions about cost. I asked
that the CCBC respond to these comments at the upcoming public forums. If they
do not, I fear many residents will simply tune out and vote against any
expenditure.
On Tuesday, May 23, CCBC will hold another public forum at 7 p.m. in the
Hartwell multipurpose room and on Zoom. ICON will show visuals of the spaces
required, not just charts. I urge everyone to attend to learn about this
project in time to affect the outcome. We need to make our voices heard about
the cost and value of a community center.
Lynne Smith
5 Tabor Hill Road
Lincoln, MA 01773
cell: 781-258-1175
[email protected]
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