August 5th
The new Community Center Manager, Bonnie Mazza, gave a summary of her review of the Center as the incoming manager. She commented on the state of the floors saying, "it broke her heart" to see the poor condition of the floors and the need for them to be "professionally cleaned". She submitted a five page "Maintenance and Cleaning Update - Proposed Projects to the Mayor and BOA". Included in her report were "Wish List" items such as new one piece counter sinks, light fixtures, fresh updated paint, add 2 nice framed mirrors, commercial refrigerator, commercial stove, rope lights for outdoors.
She ends her written report with, "This Center has so much potential but, it's just outdated. I feel that with some TLC, elbow grease and updating, the community center will shine!".
Of course we have been here before, and not all that long ago. A significant amount of money was infused to "update" the CC. Still, according to the City budget, the CC is slated to lose between $15-$18,000 this year...as it has for the last any number of years.
What is the saying about lipstick on a pig? That should rile some of those staunch supporters of the CC. My question to you is this. How many truly community functions occur at the CC? Okay, the Irish American Club hosts their annual beer bust there. There are a couple of fish fries conducted by the Fishing Club. We do vote there. What else? Some folks who live here have private parties there, nice. A fair number of people who do not live here have private parties there as well.
Competitive venues for events continue to pop up in the vicinity, including the new Pavilion at C Point as one alderman observed.
Maybe the BOA needs to take a more analytical approach to the business of running the CC. Could it ever break even...should it? Before we embark on another round of investments in the CC there are many considerations to think about. I hope the BOA takes a deep breath before moving forward with any substantial investments.
4 comments:
And what, pray tell, would have the city invest in besides sewers and streets? Anything? Do you realize that nearly everything you say comes across as "keep everything the way it is". Please, can we keep the community center updated? Have you ever lived in community where investment wasn't required? Thank goodness we have people who can objectively report the situation and make reasonable recommendations for the future.
Can anyone say DeLorean?
I'll pray to tell you 24 hour police protection should trump more wasted $$$'s in that place. I say turn it into a car wash for all the folks on the BB court when they are done!
I read the summery and I dont see where it said anything about "it broke her heart" to see the poor conditions of the floors, think it was more the condition of the entire building. Was at the community center recently and was amazed at the transformation which has been happening. From what I understand the building was never intended to be a money maker but more of a convenience for the community
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