Town of Sharon

Sacred Heart Reuse Committee

Meeting Minutes of 5/9/11

Informational Session Only

Sharon Community Center

 

Committee Attendees

Karen Friedman, Chair  - Absent

Jim Michael - Absent

Valeda Britton  - Absent

Ed Keenan

Larry Seggelin

John Davis - Absent

Carl Gladstone

David Straus - Absent

Michael Ginsberg

 

 

Other Attendees

Alice Cheyer

Greg Meister

Corey Snow

Peg Arguimbau

 

Chair Report

Mr. Ed Keenan called the discussion to order. As there was no quorum of SHRC members, this meeting was held for informational purposes only.  

 

Discussion

Mr. Corey Snow, Chair of the Community Preservation Committee provided a handout of allowable spending as described by the Community Preservation Coalition. He said that if there is unused land owned by the Town, CPA funds could be used to build a recreational facility. He said that every year the Community Preservation Coalition tries to put a bill through the legislature to increase the funding and remove restrictions on the recreational category. 

 

Mr. Ginsberg asked if the Sacred Heart School was removed could the Sacred Heart Committee apply to the Community Preservation Committee to create an entity like a field.

 

Mr. Snow commented that based on the definition it is an allowed use to demolish the existing building and build a recreational facility.  He said that this is a distinct parcel with distinct property lines and the Community Preservation funds might be able to be used to take the building down.

 

Mr. Meister commented that police, fire indoor and outdoor recreational facilities are allowable uses for the property.

 

Mr. Seggelin asked what the application process entailed and Mr. Snow said that the application is on the CPC website, it has to be aligned with Town Meeting and you have to be approximately 4 months out from Town Meeting to get in the cycle. He stated that the application would need to be submitted by the August timeframe.  The CPC is the appropriation group trying to decide if the case is worthy. The applicant is responsible for doing the project. The CPC approves all invoices as they come in. The legal question is who is involved. Mr. Ginsberg said we will need Town Counsel’s opinion of what entity is responsible. Mr. Snow said it may be the Standing Building Committee as they are hands on and manage projects.

Mr. Keenan said that at last estimate, it may cost between $250K – $300K to demolish the building. He also said the building is abated.

 

Mr. Meister said he would prefer pervious materials for the lot between the garden and the tennis courts but this is advisory information only.  He is unsure if the tennis courts can be moved.

 

Mr. Snow said that the people voted for taxes to be increased by 1% and the state contributes matching amounts based on transaction fees at the Registry of Deeds. This money is put into a pool and divided amongst the various towns. The contribution to the towns is now down to 25%.

 

Mr. Seggelin said he is trying to figure out how much is available in the Community Preservation Fund for this project.

 

Mr. Snow said that the monies could be requested as a debt issue although we generally try to avoid debt and want to pay out of pocket. Payment for the project if approved might need to be spread out over several years.

 

Mrs. Arguimbau of the Conservation Commission said her only concern is that the restricted uses remain the same on the property.

 

Mr. Gladstone commented that it is enticing to a developer as well as sports groups that the building could be taken down. It might make the property more attractive.

 

Mr. Ginsberg said a new RFP could probably be sent out to hundreds but as the property is small, we need to think outside of the box for uses. He thought the Board of Selectmen had said no town monies were available for demolition but maybe they did not realize CPC monies could be used.  Mr. Gladstone said there is a state site to put the RFP up on.

 

Mr. Snow asked what other restrictions are on the property. Mrs. Arguimbau said there are well protections issues. Mr. Meister stated Parcel A can be used for passive recreation.

 

Mr. Seggelin asked if the building came down and a ball field were built, is there a problem. Mrs. Arguimbau said that a field is in line with the allowed usage.

 

Ms. Cheyer commented that if you use CPA funds to demolish the building to create open space or recreation then how can you issue an RFP for indoor recreation? It seems that you cannot send out an RFP for indoor recreation if CPA money is used.

Mr. Gladstone said this point needs to be clarified.

 

Mr. Ginsberg said that maybe an RFP does not have to be issued, just take down the building and build a multipurpose field. . He suggested it might make sense that the Committee recommend to the Board of Selectmen to put up a field.

 

Mr. Keenan said we need to understand if the tennis courts can be moved and Mr. Gladstone said there is still the issue of parking.

 

Ms. Cheyer asked why no one mentioned putting up a two story garage or shuttle people to another location for parking. She questioned why more parking is being thought about.

 

Mr. Keenan said he agreed with Ms. Cheyer as to why people do not park on other streets as they do during the Fourth of July celebration.

 

Meeting Minutes

Postponed review until a quorum of members can vote.

 

Next Meeting

5/23/11

 

Adjournment

The informational meeting ended at 8:30 pm

 

Attachments

1. Community Preservation Fund Allowable Spending Purposes handout.

2. FY12 CPA revenue Overview from Corey Snow dated 5/9/2011