To the Editor:
At the Town House Forum last Thursday evening, there was much discussion about square footage of buildings, cost per square foot, old vs. new construction, but little inquiry about the comparative merits of the two options presented by the Town House Committee. While renovating the Town House is important, focus on cost masks the bigger question of how to provide Marion residents with the services they both need and deserve.
For those not present at the meeting, Option 1 provides complete renovation of the Town House’s interior, improving the efficiency of the offices for 15-20 employees and adding a large meeting room. The renovation includes all HVAC and electrical systems and makes the building fully accessible. The cost is estimated to be $12.5 M.
Option 2 includes renovation of the Town House and uses a connecting building to expand and modernize the library and house a new senior center between the two 1870s buildings. The 148-year-old library’s only renovation took place in the early 1980s when the population of Marion was about 1,400 residents. Today, that same space is trying to serve 4,900 people and it is challenging, to say the least. There is inadequate room for children’s activities, no quiet space for adults to work and read, not enough room for books or digital materials, no space for programs on site, and deplorable accessibility for those with mobility challenges. Our new librarian, Libby O’Neill, has added technology classes, monthly programs, book groups and other innovative services but is unable to add anything further because of a lack of room. Modernizing the library would benefit every age group in town.
Option 2 also provides for a community center with space for our growing senior population, estimated to reach 40% in the next decade. Marion is the only town in the area that does not have a permanent facility dedicated to senior needs. This new center would provide program space for senior activities and socializing, room for a social day program and would house the COA offices and town’s health services. There would be a large meeting room/ kitchen, serving all three organizations, and available for day and evening meetings alike by having a separate accessible entrance, and for activities like senior lunches.
Although the price tag for Option 2 is high, namely $28.5 M, it would provide much more for the average Marion citizen. A renovated Town House would have efficient offices for town employees and a large meeting room but nothing new in the way of programs. Option 2 would expand the opportunity to serve every age group in town with improvements in services that must happen sooner or later to keep the town up-to-date. In short, Option 2 would provide three times the benefits of Option 1, for a little more than twice the cost, which seems like a better bargain for the future of Marion.
The Town House committee has indicated there are modifications that can probably be made to the current plans to bring some cost savings to the project which would be all to the good. Now Marion residents should share their preferences with the Town House Committee regarding the options. I hope there will be strong support for exploring more about Option 2, the community center concept. This is Marion’s chance to be proactive and provide for the future enjoyment of all its residents, from the youngest to the oldest.
Nancy Braitmayer, Marion
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