BAINBRIDGE SCHOOL DEMOLITION

Press Release - The Bainbridge School (ELC) will be demolished later this summer. The vote was taken and two trustees, Lynch and White, decided they had heard enough about this building.

To start, this is not an emotional issue. Oh sure, says the critics, then why all the fuss over an old building? In short, Bainbridge has lost another opportunity for good planning, a sense of place and a space where seniors and young people would interact. Lack of vision by two elected "leaders" and a vindictive stubbornness to their agenda has cost the Bainbridge residents and the Chagrin Valley community!

Kenston Community Education(KCE) and a local businessman made a significant offer last week, stating, if given a year to prove their efforts at programming the space for seniors and youth could be self-sustaining, they (KCE) would take on the operation of the building at their expense. All the township had to contribute was insurance ($7,500) and an initial roof repair ($6,500).

If, after a year, KCE's programming (which would involve several other entities including Chagrin Falls Park Community Center and Dept. on Aging), was successful, capital improvements would then be considered by the Board of Trustees (BOT). This offer was documented in a letter to KCE last year by the BOT. If the programming was not successful, KCE admitted at the meeting last week and again last night that they would be first to throw the switch and shut off the lights. Frank Lanza, local businessman (a man who stepped up and raised financial support for Bainbridge's fireworks this year), pledged that if, over the course of one year, KCE could not meet the operational costs of running the programs at the ELC, he would personally cover the difference so there were no costs incurred by the township.

So, to summarize:

1. KCE presented a viable plan to operate the building as a Community Center for seniors and youth alike;
2. A local businessman personally guarantees no operating costs would be paid by the township;
3. A number of residents attending the last two meetings spoke in support of the building, including a few who once were against reusing the building.
4. This is a low-cost, no risk opportunity for the township to consider whether a community center would be supported, as was indicated in recreational surveys from several years ago;
5. In the center of Bainbridge, along a major township route, and in the midst of the township's government campus, this building has significant exposure and visibility;
6. This building is well appointed and structurally sound. While there are certainly roof issues, the building can be used immediately for programming and, with success, phased capital improvements would improve the energy efficiency of the building, and if desired, other aspects as well (aesthetics, improved accessibility, kitchen, etc.);
7. Places for older, active adults in this community are limited; gathering spaces for social interaction, permanently dedicated crafts room, and large, accessible active spaces available during the day at little to no cost are non-existent, except for the ELC;
8. Lastly, there is a historical perspective to the building that should not be overlooked.
   

Those against reusing the building apparently have these issues:

1. The KCE plan was "pie-in-the-sky";
2. KCE isn't equipped to operate a facility of this size;
3. Too much time and money has been spent already on this building...enough is enough;
4. There isn't a need for this type of programming;
5. Auburn residents and other non-taxpaying residents may use this facility at Bainbridge taxpayer expense.
6. This type of programming would negatively impact other KCE programs and the Chagrin Falls Park Community Center.
   

The responses to these criticisms, albeit a mute point because Lynch and White heard these answers and already had their minds made up (Lynch had his mind made up when he ran for office in 2007, and White was never for a building that supports any sports organization, as this building was largely used for winter basketball) are these:

1. Although volunteers put the plan together, these are smart people who pulled KCE out from under a mountain of debt and into the "black"...this plan could work with community support.
2. Again, KCE is largely volunteer-based, but users pay the operating costs of other programs, so this isn't a new concept to KCE. There are still issues with the organization, as pointed out by a critical opponent of the plan at last night's meeting, but KCE is working through its organizational structure and with time and patience, they will improve an oft-stated flaw, which has been said to be timely and accurate communication with its volunteers and participants.
3. Too much money? L. White, with tacit approval by Lynch, put the kibosh on users wishing to rent the facility as she was "appointed" by the BOT to handle all reservations of township facilities (for those of you out there who tried to reserve facilities, how well did that work out for you?). Without users and/or a deliberate message from an elected official that the building was not for rent, or unavailable, or whatever the misinformation, the building was less used then it should have been, significantly depriving the township of operating income that would have offset the expenses. Then the BOT, in an obvious move to demonstrate a drain on the township's budget, closed the building for use entirely, disregarding requests by individuals and KCE to rent the facility. A very strategic and malicious ploy by the BOT, who had demolition of the building as their only vision. Too much time? The building was officially turned over to the township after the last class was held in June 2006. Although many discussions were held, as far back as 2002 when acquiring the building was in the works, and a concept plan was drawn, along with ad hoc committee meetings to discuss options, there was never a fully viable proposal or concerted effort to fairly discuss whether a need existed for community use, or a long-term vision laid out by the township for the building. Many good and well-intentioned people were involved in discussions, but nothing materialized. The efforts by KCE (Mark Tiefel and Bill Doak, specifically) were nothing short of outstanding and good discussion ensued. Unfortunately, their efforts were in vain, because two trustees had their minds made up long before last week's presentation. It is truly a shameful ploy by this BOT to lead so many people along a path with a pre-determined destination. What a waste of their time!
4. If the senior center at Chagrin Falls Park Community Center is running out of space, how can there not be a need for more of this programming? If kids are hanging out in the parking lot of Giant Eagle and wherever else, how can there not be a need for a youth center? Let KCE and Chagrin Falls Park determine if this programming is viable!
5. Non-resident use...are you kidding me? What are we doing at Centerville Mills, a taxpayer-funded facility whose expenses are off the chart (oh, this is the same park L. White is so strongly attached herself to...hhmmm!)! This is a Kenston community, and Bainbridge has a significant share of the assets as well as the expenses. It's no secret most everyone in Bainbridge paying taxes, including me, would appreciate a lot more financial support of Bainbridge facilities used by Auburn residents. But to constantly gripe about it without solutions is a waste of time and does nothing for neighborly relations. Work through a solution that serves Bainbridge taxpayers and get on with the programming that also benefits Bainbridge residents. All that we've done now with the decision to demolish is to deprive Bainbridge residents with a wonderful opportunity for social interaction and provide Bainbridge Twp. with a visible and strong sense of place as well as a Chagrin Valley community presence in multi-generational programming.
6. Lastly, KCE and Chagrin Falls Park renewed discussions only recently, and with successful reorganization of both entities over the last few years, this was a wonderful opportunity for a partnership to develop and flourish between the two groups. Bainbridge and the area would have been well-served by this partnership. Now Chagrin Falls Park will have to find ways of expanding its facilities on its own.

The ELC's demise is the direct responsibility of Matt Lynch and Linda White. They had the opportunity to explore the possibilities this venture would have offered the community by allowing KCE to move forward for a one year trial basis, with the insurance policy guaranteed by Frank Lanza. But this decision to demolish was made long ago, and nothing would have dissuaded these two people, short of it being their idea for a productive use. And then, it would have happened as quickly as the town hall's basement remodel project!