Throwing a wrench into already complicated community center planning is a possible reduction in town capital funding that could supplement a GE Foundation gift of $10 million for construction and $1 million a year for five years for operations. The gifts came following 12/14. Newtown Community Center Commission members  have considered building a project in phases, first underwritten by GE, and then completed with the town’s own capital funds.

The Legislative Council will likely reduce by half the amount of Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) funds slated for a community center, judging by discussion at a meeting held December 2. As the council works under a deadline to alter or approve the current CIP, which has a placeholder of $10 million earmarked for a community center in the coming year, the Community Center Commission last week moved to make an appeal that the council keep those funds in place.

John Boccuzzi, Sr, moved to “Present to the Legislative Council the proposition that we’re moving forward and a placeholder of $10 million is appropriate for this project and we request they keep it.” His motion was approved unanimously.

Another council meeting regarding the CIP is scheduled for Wednesday, December 16. Community Center commissioners decided last week to attend that meeting with a presentation.

According to the December 2 Council minutes, members moved to amend the CIP, but member Paul Lundquist felt that they should wait until they heard from the commission before making cuts.

Councilman Ryan Knapp, on December 2, had stated that taxpayers are concerned that the money approved will be spent. He prefers to reduce funds and therefore reduce debt incurred from the CIP. First Selectman Pat Llodra had said the town should not shortchange the GE gift by building something that is not an added value to the community, but they still needed to manage costs.

Explaining to the commission this week that “there is a pressure not to take on more debt,” Mrs Llodra believes the pending council vote to cut the CIP community center funds to $5 million will pass.

Mrs Llodra warned members that she sensed from the council a tendency to spend less money.

“We know costs are going to be more than $10 million, but if you go to the council with a $22 million project, you’re probably not going to get it from them.”

Mr Knapp had attended the community center meeting, and during public comment later that evening he said that the $10 million placeholder in the CIP is “tough,” considering that they have a lot of placeholders. Although not speaking on the council’s behalf, he said the council would “likely question the scope of a project.” Even if they reduced CIP funds for the center to $5 million, GE’s gift will still accomplish the goal of building “something we do not have.”

“We’re in a tough situation with the CIP — it’s almost always spent … we try to reign in as best we can so that we can all afford to live here,” Mr Knapp continued.

Some community center commissioners had hoped those funds could complete a Phase II, while others believe that a second phase will never be realized. The CIP, which budgets for large projects, has included a community center in past years, independent of the GE Foundation gift.

Kinga Walsh mentioned a balance of investing in the community center with respect to taxpayers “and not incurring debt.” Regarding the council’s proposed cut, she said, “I appreciate it as a taxpayer,” but the town needs to invest in the community center.

“It’s the result of a horrible situation, it’s not a firehouse or police department,” she said. “It’s not a regular building,” and Ms Walsh is “very concerned” that the CIP will be reduced.

The commission’s current concepts include an aquatic center and community center for an estimated $12.9 million. A proposed aquatic center, community center, and indoor ice rink estimate is $22.1 million.

“Because of the emotional connection to this building, I think we need to look at it differently … this is not a town hall or police department. This community center has a lot at stake,” Ms Walsh said. She suggested planning “differently than the process.”

The question facing the council is how much money they are willing to devote to the project, Mrs Llodra said.

“I think it’s philosophical. GE gave us $10 million — I think the town should step up and match it,” said Rob Cox.

Sean Dunn pushed members to “decide right now” if they wanted the $22 million or $13 million option. Ms Walsh noted again the possibility of a broad all-inclusive proposal, or recommending a smaller project that could have other aspects added through CIP funds.

Considerations for the community center include a 50 meter pool or a 35,000 square foot ice arena. Members are also eyeing multipurpose rooms, gathering space, and a commercial kitchen. Potential proposals range between $13 million and $22 million to include some or all of their concepts.

“Phase II is never going to happen,” Mr Dunn said.

Member Carla Kron earlier in the meeting had said, “I don’t think a second phase will ever come.”

Mr Boccuzzi said he agrees “with the moral stance” of a $10 million match from the town. He also stressed the importance of a business plan and sustainability. He then asked why they were talking about a $22 million project.

“If we’re not talking $22 to $24 million, then we’re not talking ice rink,” Brian Hartgraves said.

“We’re not going to make it all happen,” Mr Boccuzzi said.

“It’s my personal opinion that an aquatic center and community center are the way to go,” Mr Hartgraves said.

Conversation soon led to a show of hands to determine what each member preferred. Mr Hartgraves suggested an aquatic and community center as a first phase, and an ice rink in a future phase. Andy Clure felt that after looking at the financials, he “sees more advantage” to an ice rink. “The town already has swimming,” he said.

Mr Dunn felt a rink was “doable and would bring people to Newtown and Fairfield Hills.” And an ice rink is something new that does not yet exist in town, he said. With four members who were not at the meeting that would need to be polled, six members were in favor of a first phase aquatic and community center and two were not. Mr Dunn fears an aquatic center would lose money and fail to be self sustaining, he said.

Discussion again turned to a show of hands for who would support a 50 meter over a 25 yard pool. Five members supported 50 meters, three liked the 25 yard pool, and four members absent that night would be polled after the meeting.

Members last week also considered these options, assessing potential annual expenses, and whether or not they would be self sustaining.

Toward the end of Tuesday’s Community Center Commission meeting resident William Muzzio had said, “I am terrified of a facility that costs money and ends up needing to be repurposed.”

Mr Muzzio noted the commissions’ struggles with operating costs, potential user fees, and staffing associated with running a facility and mentioned his connection with sports facility advisors. He offered to put them in touch with his contacts.

Again speaking in support of an ice arena, Paul Esposito asked commissioners to consider an option of an ice rink and pool. He feels that the rink is something that does not exist yet, which is one of the GE gift stipulations.

“It’s a missing component,” he said. An ice arena could be a multifaceted facility that he has been hoping to see in Newtown for years. He detailed for the board the many occasions in the past where he has made his pitch to the Fairfield Hills Authority, the Parks and Recreation Commission, as well as previously for the Community Center Commission.