Bill Doak, president of KCE, presented the organization's plans for use of the ELC (also called the Bainbridge School), as a "new" Bainbridge Community Center. This Center is expected to be multi-generational and initially include wellness fitness and conditioning, expected to be offered in partnership with the Chagrin Falls Park Community Center. Senior amenities to the programming might initially include a senior lounge for casual recreation and socializing. Afterschool programming (latchkey) and youth activities as well as educational and recreational events in the gymnasium would likely fill the first floor of the building all year long.
Imagine a community facility where seniors citizens can come and go as they please during the day, stopping in for a cup of coffee, play cards, engage in a book review or simply talk with friends. Or if they prefer, enrolling in community education or recreation classes. Perhaps even teaching a class to local youngsters. This same facility transitions to an evening center that offers recreational and educational programming to local youth and adults alike.
The cost of this facility to taxpayers? For the first year.... a $6,400 roof repair bill and perhaps a $7,500 insurance premium, or about $1.25 per Bainbridge resident. Operating costs, including utilities, cleaning and staffing would be borne by KCE, paid for by program fees, grants and partnerships, and memberships. Initial painting and other cleaning and improvements to get the building ready for use could be accomplished using youth seeking community service hours, and other volunteers.
Add to this proposal a guarantee that the township will not pay anything besides simple repairs, at the end of the first year! A local businessman, Frank Lanza, is so confident the KCE model and proforma will succeed, he is willing to guarantee, out of his own pocket, that the township will not pay any additional operating costs during this one year trial period!
Should this proposal be approved and allowed to be implemented and tested over a one-year period, if successful, the township trustees, could consider budgeting additional capital improvement dollars to renovate the building, also plefged in the letter to KCE. A phased allocation of some of the Investment monies (Frohring estate tax dollars as well as a percentage of new estate tax dollars) could be spent on capital improvements for a building that serves the entire Bainbridge community.
No new taxes, a pledge by a committed local businessman to "insure" the township will not incur any operating expenses beyond what has been discussed, and the opportunity for an affordable, functional and fically viable community assest...what could be a better use for Bainbridge!
