DARIEN, Conn. After the architects for the Shuffle Project finished presenting their plans to the Representative Town Meeting Monday night, hands shot up to get questions answered. Some of the concerns included: the costs of the project, whether it would create a senior center or a community center, and when the RTM would need to vote on the project. Holly Schulz from District 1 said she was disturbed by the amount of time and money that had already been put into the project. "It seems like a foregone conclusion at this point," she said. She also took issue with the idea that the town's senior population was growing at such a rate that would warrant a big senior center. "I think a lot of people come here for the schools. I watch a lot of neighbors move out once their kids graduate." Maria Cleary of District 4 said she was confused about whether the facility placed at Town Hall would be a senior center or a community center.
Architect Tom Arcari said it started out as a senior center, but grew into a community center once it was realized that seniors would not be using the facility after 2 p.m. Cleary also asked if anybody knew how much it would cost to run the community center. Town Administrator Karl Kilduff said officials didn't know the exact cost and are still waiting on word from Yankee Gas about whether a natural gas line could be installed. "Our analysis suggests that it would be a wash or slight savings to the town," Kilduff said. The reaction to the project was not all doubtful. Bruce Orr from District 5 said he supported the project since the town has already purchased the property at 35 Leroy Ave. and the current senior center is deteriorating. When asked when the RTM would need to approve the project, Building Committee Chairman Norm Guimond said that in order to start moving the Board of Education out of their offices this summer, the project would need to be approved "as soon as possible." The architects' presentation is available on the town Website. What do you think of the Shuffle Project? Tell us in the comments below. And don't forget to follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
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