Jim Gallagher's passionate plea for the $3.28 million Penfield Pavilion renovation project won over the Board of Selectmen Wednesday night. The board accepted the Pavilion Building Committee chairman's arguments and unanimously approved bonding for the work. The vote came just two days after First Selectman Ken Flatto said he had reservations about both the price tag and concept of the plan.
Many town officials, including members of the building committee, say the 109-year-old Penfield Beach structure is unsafe. The plan calls for renovating the western wing and center of the pavilion, upgrading the design, and creating more deck and central space while reducing unused portions of the building. The eastern section was renovated last year.
Gallagher the upgrades could cost an additional $700,000 or more in a different economic environment. Right now, Gallagher said, bidding for construction is competitive and bond rates are at a low point.
Flatto said Wednesday night he could find no adequate way to cut the project's cost was satisfied the building's footprint would not be any larger. He also said the Parks and Recreation Department should rent out the pavilion only at night, when there are few beachgoers. On Monday, the first selectman said he feared the project would turn the pavilion into a "catering hall."
Selectman James Walsh cited safety concerns at the pavilion, saying, "If a member of the public gets injured there, what's that going to cost?"
Selectman Sherri Steeneck said she was voting to approve funding because pavilion rental fees will pay for the renovations. "It's a win, win, win," she said.
The Board of Finance will take up the funding request at its Sept. 7 meeting. If approved, it would go to the Representative Town Meeting, which has the final say.
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