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Date: 8/24/2022
BRIMFIELD – An overview of the results from the Senior Center Feasibility Study was presented by Steve McCallister of Clark & Green Architecture and John O’Leary of the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission during the Brimfield Select Board meeting on Aug. 15.
McCallister shared that they studied the feasibility of a new senior center on two sites: the Old Town Hall and New Holland Road.
He went on to say that a demographic and operational analysis was performed by Ballard King Associates. “We looked into zoning, access, utilities, environmental constraints, [capacity], etc.,” said McCallister. Following this, they developed a conceptual senior center plan for each site along with cost estimates.
Based on their findings, McCallister said both sites are feasible, however, the Old Town Hall offers space for other uses aside from a senior center, whereas the New Holland Road site is “big enough for a senior center only,” as it is a 24-acre parcel.
McCallister explained that Ballard King conducted a survey on demographic analysis, programming and operations. In this survey, 88 percent of the responses were from local people, all of whom participate in various programs that the senior center offers.
From the survey, he said that the biggest offerings seniors are interested in having include a kitchen and group exercise space. From this, Ballard King came up with program recommendations, including an administrative suite, lobby, stage, commercial kitchen, fitness room, gymnasium, and large and small meeting rooms, to name a few.
He went on to say that the survey was advertised to seniors who attend programs at the center, along with any other interested residents.
McCallister shared images of floor plans of the two spaces and touched upon parking, restrooms, water sources and so on.
When comparing the total costs for each project, the Old Town Hall – for a renovation and addition – would cost $8.3 million. On New Holland Road, for a new building on a new site, the cost would be $8.5 million.
As the feasibility study findings are a lot to unpack, Martin Kelly, Select Board chair, asked if they could have more time to review and consider their options.
George Adams, board member, suggested the idea of forming a building committee to look into another location for town offices and the senior center. He added that he would like the current Building Committee to suspend funding on any further projects until looking at this potential one.
Kelly agreed and said they should not spend any money until they have a better idea on what they are dealing with.
Charles Kuss, police chief and chairman of the Building Committee, disagreed, and said it’s not necessary to form another one when the current committee can get the job done.
Adams said it wouldn’t hurt to “have a new set of eyes” and bring new ideas to the table.
Based on several other opportunities presented to the board, Kelly reiterated that the committee should suspend funding for future expenditures for the time being. When a motion was made to stop expenditures, the board unanimously approved it.
Opening on Conservation Commission
Kelly said Brimfield has an opening on the Conservation Commission now that member Gary Watts has resigned.