Despite recent reductions in Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) funds that could have supplemented donated funds for a new community center, Newtown Community Center Commission members said January 5 they are “willing to explore” proposals that could exceed a limited bottom line of $17.5 million. That number is a combination of the CIP and money gifted to Newtown following 12/14.

A series of forums is also coming next month to explain “numbers and financials” for various building configurations including a community center, ice rink, and aquatic center.

“We have to find out what the community wants,” Brian Leidlein said during Tuesday’s meeting. After more than two hours, members arrived at a motion to explore concepts that exceed $17.5 million, and go to the community with those proposals. The motion prevailed in a 6-2 vote.

In locations yet to be determined, forums will take place on Thursday, February 4, at 7 pm; Saturday, February 6, at 10 am; Tuesday, February 9, at 7 pm; and Saturday, February 13, at 10 am.

Commissioners Tuesday night reacted to a recent Legislative Council action that cut by half CIP funds over the next several years, leaving a potential $7.5 million that could add to a GE Foundation gift of $15 million — $10 for community center construction and $1 million a year for five years of operations.

Rob Cox did not want to let the cuts “derail” efforts, considering the extensive work the commission has done since April. He believes that government officials should “see the financials” of community center planning aimed at creating a facility that is self-sustaining, rather than creating a draw on taxpayers.

Members have collected financial models for various community center scenarios, build costs, revenues, fees, and expenses to support proposals that may exceed the $17.5 million. Concepts include an aquatic center, skating rink, and core multipurpose community center. Based on his subcommittee’s research, Sean Dunn had explained that a community center alone would end up costing money, while an ice and aquatic center both would be able to generate revenue after several years.

Mr Cox feels they should present “well-researched proposals” that could exceed $17.5 million. Co-chair Brian Hartgraves said, “I think we should stick with the $17.5 million,” noting that the Legislative Council “knows what they want and is making sure we do that.”

“So, politics is taking over?” asked Kinga Walsh.

Earlier in the conversation, Mr Cox had asked if the committee was going to “think within a box preemptively shrunk for us, or go for a grander vision?”

John Boccuzzi, Sr, considered the membership fees that would be too high for some residents to take part in an aquatic center or ice rink, for example.

“There is a lot of need in this town,” he said, adding “the message is clear” that a larger project would be declined by the council.

As members volleyed comments, Mr Cox said, “We’ve never operated under the numbers, always under the commitment of the right thing to do.”

“But money is becoming the reality of how we move forward,” Mr Hartgraves said.

Mr Dunn did not want the Legislative Council to “impede our decision.”

Looking back at the months of work and planning, some of which resulted in scenarios that could cost more than $20 million, NCC commissioner Carla Kron said, “I don’t think we should squelch anybody’s creativity at this point.”

Bill Buchler wanted to “move on with our design and talk more specifically about financials.”

Earlier in the meeting Mr Leidlein, a financial subcommittee member, had said, “The numbers show that a community center alone can’t sustain itself, so whether an aquatic center or an ice rink, you need one or the other.” Both possibilities could be profitable, he said. “You need one of those two revenue generators.”

When considering the CIP cuts, Mr Cox had said, “We need to do what’s right for the town” and should not let the Legislative Council’s actions “guide what we do.” Cuts to the CIP should not deter their “robust” proposal, he said.

“If we have a sustainable project, money is out there,” Mr Cox added.

Members spoke briefly about other independent funding sources, donors, or fundraising. They also looked back at what First Selectman Pat Llodra had said when their commission formed, that the GE funds would probably not cover the whole project, and that it could be a phased approach.

Ms Walsh “loved the passion in this room” and is “more committed to this project now” than when the commission began its work in April, she said.

Mr Leidlein said, “I think we go to the community with options and costs and if the community says it’s a bigger bite than they want to take, then we pare back.”

In coming days the financial and communications subcommittees will meet to prepare a presentation.