WEATHERSFIELD — Township officials say they are looking forward to having a community center in the township park next to State Route 46, not only for use by local security forces, but also by the public.
The trustees approved the publicity of tenders for the general contractor. Board chairman Steve Gerberry said the project had been discussed by officials for the past few years, but the pandemic had delayed progress.
He said the township received $500,000 from the state capital budget in 2019 that it could use for the project. Gerberry said $50,000 was used for engineering and architectural services and other costs, with $450,000 remaining.
FMC Architects of North Royalton is working on the community center project.
He said the township also received $150,000 in 2017 from the state capital budget, which was used for infrastructure such as electrical work in the park. Underground utilities and parking for the building have been completed.
“We will see what offers we receive for the project and what costs are involved”, he said.
Gerberry said the township would like to start the project this year, but needs to see if contractors are available. A 91-by-70-foot, one-story, 6,300-square-foot facility is planned with large and small meeting rooms and a cozy kitchen.
Gerberry said the local police department and other law enforcement personnel, as well as groups such as historical societies, 4-H and Boy Scouts, could use the building for meetings and formations.
“During the pandemic, there was a delay in getting the funds for the projects. There was also a delay with the projects going on and the costs involved. When we get the submissions, we will see what we can get. allow with the funds we have received. We are keeping our fingers crossed that the numbers will fit into our budget,” Gerberry said.
He said US bailout funds are also available.
Administrator Rich Harkins said the center would be a welcome addition to the park, which is used for a variety of events from the summer Flag Day festival, fall Oktoberfest, egg hunt to Easter, Santa’s tree lighting and local youth sports and other activities. .
Harkins said the center was originally planned as an opiate training center for law enforcement, but was expanded to include firefighters.
“We will be able to hold meetings of township administrators and other meetings at the center. Community organizations will be able to meet there,” he said.
The center would be located west of the township lookout.
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