NEW BUILDING?OR NOT?

FEASIBILITY STUDY PROPOSAL
What are your thoughts on a 'proposal for feasibility study' of a new Municipal Building - either building onto the existing Jemseg Fire Hall or onto existing green space.
I personally do not agree with a proposal for feasibility study for a new building that is restricted to Jemseg when a feasibility could be done on an existing building such as Cambridge-Narrows. This is my opinion - and I want to know your thoughts, as well as more information from Council and the Committee.

PROS AND CONS OF NEW BUILDING IN JEMSEG

Although I am sure that the Building and Properties Committee (made up of 2 Council members and 2 other residents of Arcadia) have had numerous discussions for this Proposal for Feasibility Study recommendation that has been passed by Council, I do not believe there has been sufficient public discussion when this is a huge financial endeavor. A Feasibility Study Proposal means that the Committee has already determined that this is the route to be taken, pending the study being completed. I do not know of the scope of work - example the size of the building, nor the costs. I believe it would entail 4 offices and a council chamber - perhaps 1500 sf to 2000 sf - perhaps $1,000,000 or more.

PROS - a new building with proper bathroom facility and wheelchair accessibility; a building that is central to Arcadia; possibility of tying into existing sewage and water; self-contained and not affecting any other community events; assistance from government grants

CONS - even with government assistance, the Municipality will incur a loan/debt. Cost overruns are a common occurence as most builders will not commit to fixed costs, or will build in extremely high contingencies. Maintenance of the building (and all Municipal buildings within Arcadia) will occur long after this and many Councils are gone. The burden is ultimately the taxpayers over many years
- Council has struggled with the amalgamation and do not have a financial path provided through Fiscal Reform which comes from the New Brunswick government. Although office space is required, this proposal as the only viable option does not demonstrate fiscal responsibility to current challenges
- it cannot be assumed that the existing sewage is adequate
- it could easily take 6 months or more to build new - even after the contract has been awarded
- there are 3700 taxpayers in Arcadia - most people did not know of this proposal and should be part of the decision making process based on the magnitude of the project

THOUGHTS ON USE OF EXISTING BUILDINGS

These are food for thought:
Using an existing building is 'going green'. Meaning we are using something already in existence rather than producing something new. The Cambridge-Narrows Municipal Building has an upgraded energy efficient mechanical system, as well as wheel chair accessible with a motorized ramp. As a prior school, a feasibility study would determine if the septic was in compliance.
There is an existing kitchen in the building, washrooms, small office, Council chambers and a public space. Given that the Council only meets once monthly, the chambers are likely adequate and do not interfere with activities enjoyed by residents.
Feedback has been made about 'losing' the recreational aspect of the building, however, given the frequency of the Council meetings, there should be no reason that there would be conflict with proper scheduling.

Where would the office space be? Is it necessary that the offices be in the same building or same location? Are there other municipal buildings that we are heating, maintaining that can be renovated to provide office space. Should office space be built on the existing 5 acre parcel at the Municipal Building in Cambridge-Narrows? There is speculation that Cambridge-Narrows will have to build a fire hall at some date because it does not meet the regulation standards.This area used now was the school Auditorium. Any new office space built now could be leased to businesses and use of the Auditorium restored for Municipal functions.

These are all questions that may or may not have been discussed with the Building/Property Committee in their conclusions. Four of five of the Council Members have agreed. Perhaps reach out to them. As taxpayers, we need to know how we will be affected. We need to know why, how, when, what benefit, and what cost. This is a major project that will ultimately affect our pocket books when we are already struggling.
PLEASE LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS. I WILL BE ATTENDING THE CAMBRIDGE-NARROWS MEETING RESCHEDULED FOR FEB 20TH AT 6:30 PM. I will pass along your comments - or come out and find out!

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