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MADISON — The rising cost of converting the former Academy School building into a community center has encouraged some local residents to circulate a petition asking the town to reconsider the project.
First Selectman Peggy Lyons said at a meeting of the Board of Selectmen on Wednesday that there was a petition being circulated among residents asking to nullify the results of a February 2022 referendum appropriating $15.9 million to renovate the building.
The original design plan included a gymnasium, commercial kitchen, theater and office spaces to house the Town Youth and Family Services and Beach and Recreation.
But consultants for the project found that the cost was likely to rise to $17.9 million
At the meeting on Wednesday, Lyons said that the town attorney did not believe the petition was valid, given that the town had already issued $6 million in bond notes in anticipation of construction, including over $1 million spent on project design and development.
Lyons told CT Examiner that the petition had not been delivered to the Board of Selectmen, and that she did not know how many people had signed it.
The protests follow on the heels of an increase in the cost of the new Neck River Elementary School building by about $5.8 million.
At the meeting, Lyons said that the Board of Selectmen and the Building Committee had the authority to amend the scope of the project if the funding proved insufficient. Lyons also said that the town had been able to secure $7.6 million in state and federal grant funding toward the project, which was more than they had expected to receive.
According to a presentation given to the Board of Selectmen on Wednesday, the current revised plan includes repairs to the building structure, including a new roof and windows, elimination of lead paint and asbestos, and the renovation of a large gymnasium, recital hall, art room and space for security and facilities. But with a construction budget of $12.2 million, it excludes any space for town departments, a new playground or the use of geothermal energy.
Selectman Bruce Wilson said he felt it was “unfortunate” that the town would have to make changes to the plan for the building after spending so much time gathering community input about what they wanted, and after a referendum vote that he said clearly showed the community’s desire.
“I think it is now our job as the Board of Selectmen to figure out how to deliver that project that the community clearly — over a long period of time — articulated that they wanted. And I know it’s my first desire to see us build out exactly what was voted on and to explore every possible option to get us to that point,” Wilson said.
Lyons said the Board of Selectmen needed to make a decision whether to go ahead with the project in its modified state, or go back to referendum and ask the voters to approve additional funds.
“As much as I know we’re all a little disappointed that we’re not getting what we all dreamed of getting out of this in the first crack, I think there’s a way to get there, and I think it’s an incredible start because it’s going to bring this building back to life,” said Lyons.
She also said that construction costs were volatile and that it was possible that bids would come in lower than the town anticipated. The town expects to receive bids in September.
Selectman Scott Murphy underscored what he said was the urgency to start construction on the building, given the condition of the structure was continuing to decline.
“The building is deteriorating. The longer we wait, the worse it’s getting. We saw some water damage. We saw the active shooter drill issues that are still in the building,” said Murphy. “So I think the pressure is somewhat on to get things moving.”
Tom Arcari, a principal at the architecture firm QA+M, also warned that costs would continue to escalate over time.
“Time, especially today, time is worth money. In the last two years, we’ve lost 15 to 20 percent to construction costs. Easy. The cost to do everything has escalated, and it’s just been based on economic changes over the last two years, and it’s been pretty dramatic,” he said.
But residents seemed less convinced.
“I just think you should reconsider that building. I would sell it, let a private investor come in and develop it, get some tax revenue in the town,” said resident Andy Vallombroso. “I’m worried about the seniors in this town. The costs for them staying here is going to be unaffordable.”
Resident Jim Schmaltz said he believed the estimated budget had been too low from the beginning. And Dana Schmaltz said she didn’t see any need for a community center when there were other venues, like the library and the senior center.
“It’s gone above and beyond, and it’s out of control. I am all for preserving things, but I’m also old school. If you don’t have the money, you don’t buy it,” said Dana Schmaltz. “I can speak for a lot of the people in this town — they feel the same way. Stop the ridiculous spending. Stop. It needs to end.”
Others disagreed.
“I’m thrilled with the progress. I’m thrilled to see a school that two of my children had the opportunity to go through finally move out of this state of disrepair and move towards actually serving a purpose for the community again,” said David Buller, the chair of Madison Youth and Family Services.
He said he was disappointed that Youth and Family Services would not be housed in the building, and asked that the town come up with a contingency plan for the organization.
“Unfortunately, the mental health needs of our youth have only gotten exacerbated by COVID and the whole pandemic. It hasn’t gotten any better, and the needs have only increased over the past few weeks,” said Buller.
Beth Azeveda, who moved to town in 2022, said the center could serve as a space for the Madison Newcomers Club to meet.
“We are desperately needing a place to gather and this proposed plan and plans tonight shown are just incredible,” said Azeveda. “I think it will help us build our community more and provide for the next generations to come.”
Resident George Noewatne said he didn’t contest the results of the referendum, but he was concerned about the state of the economy and the idea of a possible change to the project’s character. He urged the selectmen to bring any possible changes to referendum and let the voters decide.
“There’s an old saying in public building projects: if you start the project, the taxpayers will have to finish it,” he said.