Subject:
Title
Long term use for the Annex property located at 130 Center Street South
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BACKGROUND SUMMARY:
Staff presented to council at the March 28, 2022 council conference session the results of a study conducted by Whitman, Requardt Associates, LLP (WRA) to provide the Town with the basic architectural building code requirements for the desired public uses, identify conditions that are not complaint with existing building codes or that would prevent obtaining a new Occupancy Permit, and to identify additional survey or conditions that need to be analyzed prior to submission for permits for the Annex. Staff reported that the estimated cost to make the Annex compliant with building codes in order to obtain a new Occupancy Permit ($500,000), to make programming and meeting space improvements for public use ($225,000) and to install an elevator ($200,000) was approximately $925,000.
Based on these findings, council expressed concern that the renovation investment for the short term use of the Annex was too high, a permanent use for the Annex had not been determined, public engagement for permanent use had not occurred, concern that the current CIP debt will push permanent use project out too far to satisfy the community and that the short term use may influence long term decisions.
Based on council concern, staff proposed to council via email on April 15, 2022 a future use path forward strategy for the Annex. The recommendation was to conduct a Land Feasibility and Community Needs Assessment of the Annex property. The information from the feasibility report and needs assessment will provide recommended land uses of the Annex property based on the Town's strategic plan, comprehensive plan, extensive community engagement and available funding in the long term. A professional consultant would be hired to conduct the assessment as the expert consultant brings more industry experience, provides a more objective perspective and can help the Town move fas...
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