Board recommends Spiegel Community Center renovation 2016

Cost, efficiency and programming goals were key considerations

The Pittsford Town Board has released a report recommending a complete renovation of the Spiegel Community Center. The report concludes that renovation is the most cost-efficient and desirable option to provide the community with an attractive and functional facility able to accommodate current and future recreation programming needs. VIEW THE REPORT HERE. Additional background information about the project can be found on the Project Updates page, under the Community Center Background Info link.

“Long-deferred maintenance of the building meant it would cost $6.1 million just to make needed repairs,” said councilwoman Mary Gehl Doyle, the board’s lead for the project. “For an additional $3.2 million we can essentially build a new community center within the shell of the old building. Compared to the practical alternatives, this choice represents a reasonable middle ground between $6.1 million for mere maintenance and nearly $15 million to build a completely new structure. It’s a cost-effective solution that creates a modern and efficient facility, preserves a historic landmark in the heart of the community and preserves green space that otherwise would be lost to a new building.”

The board worked with a citizens’ committee and solicited comments from residents at public meetings and from the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board before making its recommendation. “Unless we’re prepared to phase out a community center, we must respond to the condition of the current building,” said Pittsford Town Supervisor Bill Smith. He continued, “Our goal is to obtain for Pittsford’s residents the solution that works best, at a reasonable cost in view of the alternatives. And not to pay for more community center than we need.”

The Town Board will schedule a referendum for later this year to obtain public approval for funding the project. The $9.2 million Spiegel Community Center renovation would cost $69 per year over the next 15 years to the owner of a home of average assessed value; the average assessed home value in Pittsford is $275,075.