Presently Unconvinced

It is disappointing to say the least that despite the worst economic crisis faced by this country since the great depression, our Board of Selectmen (on the recommendation of the Town Administrator), voted (4-1) to “place and support” an article requesting an additional $1.5 million for the Town Hall/Center School project. The article as voted - is in part - as follows:

“To see if the Town will vote to appropriate the sum of ONE MILLION FIVE HUNDRED EIGHTY THOUSAND AND 00/100 DOLLARS ($1,580,000.00) or some other amount, to pay additional costs of remodeling, reconstructing and making extraordinary repairs to the Town Hall and the Center School Building…”. The remainder of this post can bge read by accessing the READ MORE link below.

With the nearly $4.3 million previously approved, but not yet spent, this now brings the project cost to nearly $5.9 million dollars before a single wall has been opened exposing other sure to be found costs. One can rest assured, that once these buildings undergo the process of renovations, the age and complexity of issues associated with these sites will result in additional costs. To suggest otherwise is contradictory to the reality of projects similar in magnitude across the nation.

At a time when unemployment is at 7.6% and predicted to reach 9-10% by years end, coupled with an 81% increase in mortgage foreclosures in the last 12 months (225% since 2006), the leadership of this community is asking residents to increase their tax burden for a project that may not be completely necessary at this time. Oddly, during the same period that consumer spending is witnessing its lowest increase in over 40 years, as consumers tighten belts in an effort to reduce unnecessary expenditures, the town leadership seems to be going in an opposite direction.

To be sure, there are needs at the Town Hall – appropriate handicap access, structural concerns – that require attention in the short-term were we to remain in the structure. Alternately, lease or lease options in other locations may provide a viable and financially feasible alternative until the economic storm or tsunami (as some economists reference it) passes. Without serious discussion on possible alternatives, we are left only to speculate.

I am deeply concerned that the course our leadership has embarked upon with respect to this project is based more upon emotion and desires, than it is upon actual needs or financial pragmatism.

Back in December, I challenged the Board to revisit the Town Hall/Center School project and carefully weigh the logic of forging ahead with a nearly $6 million dollar proposal in the current economic climate. With families loosing their jobs, health care coverage, life savings, and homes, it was incomprehensible to me, that we would not revisit this issue. Sadly, this suggestion was received rather coolly by our town leadership who instead chose to argue the virtues of moving ahead with the original plan.

I continued to pursue this issue via email correspondence and was advised by the Board chairman that when he and Jim found a better alternative they would present it. After mounting pressure from residents and letters to the editor, we were suddenly informed that an alternate site was now being considered. This was certainly welcomed news, as it appeared to demonstrate a willingness to explore other options.

As time passed, there seemed however to be rather tepid efforts at providing detail and or engaging in serious discussion on the particular proposal offered. In fact, there was little if any real dialogue.

Subsequently, this past Monday, we learned from the Town Administrator that the numbers for the alternative site just didn’t seem to add up and as such it was determined to continue with the previously planned project. The discussion on the merits or lack thereof regarding the alternative was non-existent and no article was placed to at least provide voters an option.

Unsatisfied with the level of discussion that quite simply never took place; I have submitted two Freedom of Information Requests for the following:

- The records, information, and estimates utilized in support of the position provided to the Board of Selectmen as it relates to the possible use of 208 Charlton Road A.K.A. All-Star Premium Products, as an alternative to the current Town Hall project.

- The information provided by the agency tasked with conducting the estimate as it appears on their official stationary or letterhead.

- The exact nature of the request to said agencies as it was conveyed via town stationary or whatever electronic means, etc., may have utilized.

- A document detailing the funds currently maintained in the Community Preservation Account, as well as expenditures or commitments thus far obligated or proposed.

- A breakdown of the CPA funds proposed for the Town Hall Center School Project and the percentages from each category of CPA allocations being considered for said project.

To be clear, I have no preference as to the final citing of the town hall, but am deeply concerned about what appears to be a course of action, which seems to be forging ahead without any real public discussion or consideration of other sites.

Recently, I learned that another site had been officially offered as a possible alternative – the former Basketville properties (413, 419, & 423 Main St.) – and yet there was no public discussion on this site during Monday’s meetings, nor to my knowledge has it been discussed period. Whether this site or that at 208 Charlton Road are the appropriate answers is of little consequence; the fact is that there appears to be an unwillingness to discuss alternatives. One could argue that this is nothing short of irresponsible when one considers the economic challenges facing this community over the next few years.

The national economy is predicted to further deteriorate by every reputable economist and by every reputable measurement. Unemployment among Sturbridge residents will rise regardless of the fields they represent; so too will mortgage foreclosures. The massive wave of job losses is just now starting to manifest in the Northeast and we will soon find ourselves on par with the nation. Yet, the current leadership in Sturbridge seems somewhat oblivious to what is happening nationally.

I have previously been a strong supporter of renovating the Town Hall and Center School. I recognize the value they add to our community and our town common. I have never suggested completely abandoning the Town Hall, but rather reconsidering its use for another town project at another time, when the economy favors such.

An expenditure of nearly $6 million dollars (and surely more once construction begins) must be scrutinized in a most deliberate manner possible and there appears to be a lack of convincing evidence that such is being undertaken by our current leadership.

Somewhat disconcerting as well, is the rush to place this item on a Special Town Meeting Warrant. Clearly, one recognizes the concern with having the money appropriated so that when the bids are opened we have an opportunity to engage a contractor and move forward. More importantly however, one recognizes the importance of conducting our affairs in the best interests of the taxpayers; that is the ultimate responsibility of town leadership.

To be placing ourselves in a situation to where our internal public discussions in Sturbridge (as it relates to such a significant expenditure) are being dictated by a deadline for proposal submissions is inconsistent sound public policy. At this point I am currently unconvinced that the priorities of our leaders (as it relates to this project at least) are appropriately focused.