As you probably know, the town is in the process of purchasing the Grace Church property on Main Street. On June 26, the Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended the purchase of this property. And on July 1, the Town Council voted overwhelmingly to approve this acquisition.
This strategic purchase aims to prevent the potential construction of a high-density development and gives the town control over future development of this property. This property, like the Hardy Lane purchase, is not being acquired for open space purposes. The town seeks to control development as it has done in the past.
The Grace Church property, not available until recently, provides another possible town location for the senior/community center. I have asked the Community Facilities Building Committee to explore this property as a potential site for the new center. The Committee voted to request the architectural firm QA+M to begin the evaluation of the suitability of the Grace Church property for the center, and to suspend any further evaluation of the Hardy Lane site.
Here are some facts about the Grace Church property and its potential future use by the town as a Senior/Community Center.
The town is purchasing the property to prevent a high-density housing development.
The town is currently completing its due diligence. Proper environmental assessment is being conducted. The town is receiving EPA funding for these assessments via MetroCOG, our local council of governments.
The Grace Church location is desirable for a Senior and Community Center because it is centrally located, on a bus line, with sufficient acreage, and good sight lines for entrance and exit purposes. This location will allow for expanded Senior Center use and will also meet the needs of the community as a whole, including community meetings, classes, sports and activities.
A swimming pool will not be built on the site and the town will not acquire any other nearby property by eminent domain. There is no intention to purchase any additional property near the site.
There are no plans for a trailhead at this site.
It is highly unlikely and not practical to reuse existing buildings on the site. We are designing a new facility to be used for at least 50 years.
Buffering, lighting, easements and other matters impacting neighbors will all be worked on collaboratively as plans develop. These matters are all resolvable.
The church property has been active for services, funerals, weddings and festivals/parties for years. Like the church, the town will be a good neighbor if the facility is approved.
As the purchase and potential project advances, the town will keep the community informed. The Community Facilities Building Committee meetings are typically held on the second Wednesday of the month at 7:00pm. Please check the town website for more information regarding any meetings.