BC 2006 02 09 RECESSED - Laserfiche WebLink

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February 9/ 2006 - Recessed Meeting Page 495 Boy Scout Troop 623 of Bethel United Methodist Church conducted the Flag Ceremony. Chairman Carruth thanked discuss the feasibility study facility. everyone for corning to the j oint meeting to on the potential reuse of the old school Bill Hughes of Yates Chreitzburg Hughes (YCH) Architects presented a general overview of the "Feasibility Assessment of Old Bethel Elementary School" prepared by YCH Architects. He stated the study had included interviews with representatives of proposed building occupants and a review of the Town's program of needs. He estimated a cost of $900,000.00 to renovate the site and a cost of $652,000.00 to demolish the site, excluding the ballfields and playground area. Mr. Hughes described each of the five buildings, including their existing condition and potential uses along the estimated renovation and demolition costs as follows: (1) Building A is mostly a two story-building originally constructed in 1927 and previously utilized as an elementary school classroom/ auditorium/ media center and administrative building. Potential uses would include office suites, meeting and training spaces for some County department. A large meeting space in the existing auditorium could serve as the Town Hall for Midland. Renovation cost: $3,504,050.00; Demolition Cost: $230,000.00. (2) Building B is a one-level structure constructed in 1957 and comprised of a gymnasium, entry lobby and locker rooms. The building would be best utilized as a gymnasium and athletic facility. Renovation Cost: $789,525.00; Demolition Cost: $75,000.00. (3) Building C is a one-level classroom building attached to the gymnasium/locker room building (Building B) and was constructed around 1957. The building could be utilized as offices, meeting and training spaces or possibly a community library. Renovation cost: $1,157,750.00; Demolition Cost: $130,000.00. (4) Building D is a one-level dining and kitchen building that was constructed around 1957. This building could be utilized as a cafeteria, dining or banquet hall. Renovation cost: $567,600.00; Demolition Cost: $40,000.00. (5) Building E is a one-level building with large open rooms previously utilized as an agricultural, vocational and shop building and constructed around 1950. This building would best be utilized as a community or exhibition hall. Renovation Cost: Difficult to determine at this time; Demolition Cost: $75,000.00. Chairman Carruth and Mayor Crump opened the meeting for questions or comments. There were comments by members of the audience regarding the existing ball fields that the public continues to use at the former school site and the need for additional fields in the community. Also, there were questions regarding demolition costs along with a comparison of renovation costs versus new construction costs. Chairman Carruth stated the property still belongs to the Cabarrus County Schools. He explained the County's right of first refusal to purchase the property. There was some discussion as to whether the County could assign its right of first refusal for the property to another entity such as the Town of Midland. Also, the possibility of the County purchasing the property and then entering into an interlocal agreement with the Town of Midland was discussed as a potential option. Chairman Carruth proposed the appointment of a joint consisting of members of the Midland Town Council, the Commissioners, County school Board and community representatives, the potential future uses of the former Bethel School buildings, funding options, available grants and renovation costs. committee, Board of to look at along with Sarah Morrison reported that she had prepared a listing of 11 possible grant funding sources for the project. This information was provided to the Board.