Cash it out, or turn it into a community center?
To the borough of Red Bank, it’s an asset beter turned into cash.
To kids’ activist David Prown, it’s about to become a missed opportunity.
On the agenda for Monday’s council meeting is a second reading of an ordinance authorizing the auction of a town-owned building at the corner of Bridge Avenue and Drs. Parker Boulevard. [Postscript: the first part of that sentence is wrong. The item appeared on the July 9 agenda as a resolution, not an ordinance. Sorry for the error.]
At the moment, it’s rented for $1 a year by the Community YMCA, which offers programs for pre-schoolers in the mornings and primary-school-aged kids in the afternoon at the facility.
By the end of the day on Aug. 10, the council is hoping it’ll put an $800,000 bulge in the town’s wallet.
Prown is trying rally citizens to lobby the council to put the brakes on the move, which he thinks is happening without enough local awareness and input. He sent out a blast email (see below) to several dozen residents and business owners hoping to stir them to action.
“All we’re trying to do is to postpone the sale so there can be some discussion about it,” he told redbankgreen Sunday afternoon. He’s also reached out to GOP council candidate John Tyler, with whom he toured the facility late last week.
Prown’s thinking is that the town has long needed a community center or youth center, and that this piece of property is ideally suited for that purpose because of its central location, on-street parking, Internet access and office and meeting space.
Not to mention that the town already owns it. Even some members of the council have said the town could use a community center, Prown says. “Can you imagine what it would cost to buy a plot of land in this town and put up a new building on it?”
He’s actually been pushing this idea for some 18 months, he said, but hasn’t gotten “one little inkling of acknowledgment that there’s an idea here” from the mayor and council.
That’s because “it’s not the right building,” Mayor Pasquale Menna says. Facility upgrades are needed, a parking lot is needed, a staff is needed.
“Who’s going to pay for that?” says Menna. “It has to be thought out. We had a community center next door (at the former Number 5 school on Drs. Parker) that went bust.”
Menna says he’d prefer that the borough lean on Monmouth County to begin putting some of the $500,000 or so a year paid by Red Bank taxpayers for open-space uses back into the borough in the form of urban recreation programs. None of that money now comes back into town, he says.
“Instead, it goes into golf courses in western Monmouth County used primarily by rich people,” he says.
The council tried auctioning off the property earlier this year at the same minimum bid price, but drew only two potential bidders and no bids. What’s different now? “Hopefully it’s been better advertised,” says Menna.
The anticipated proceeds are not included in the current year proposed budget, which has yet to be adopted, says Menna.
Here’s Prown’s email:
The RB Boro Council is on the verge of “accepting bids” to sell the Ct.
Basie Learning Center/Achievement Branch Building (which the town owns) on the corner of Bridge Ave. & Drs. Parkers Blvd.The CYMCA is moving their programs to the RB School buildings starting
Sept. 1This building CAN INSTANTLY be turned into a Red Bank Community Center
…. all they have to do is change the sign on the door :
‘- It is handicapped equipped
‘- Has all necessary Cable & Computer lines
‘- Has office space (for town/group meetings).
‘- Has open rooms for ping pong/pool tables etc.
‘- Has a working kitchen
‘- 2 floors, fully finished
‘- Centrally located in town
‘- Has security locks on the doors (need to be buzzed in)
‘- Move Parks & Recreation Dept. over from the hard to access
trailer on Chestnut St.
to this easy to access, central location.
‘- Existing use - no permit/change of use variances needed
‘- Our Current Parks & Recreation Director has experience setting up
and running Community CentersNo land to buy
No structure to build or re-hab
INSTANT COMMUNITY CENTER FOR FREE***** PLEASE ATTEND THIS MONDAY’S COUNCIL MEETING (90 MONMOUTH ST.) AND
EXPRESS YOUR SUPPORT1) WE WANT THEM TO “POSTPONE” THE AUGUST 10TH OPENING TO BIDS
2) HAVE A PUBLIC MEETING TO DISCUSS THE CRITICAL NEED OF THIS
COMMUNITY CENTERSincerely,
David Prown
908-902-2203
parking…..issue street permits
staff……. lean on the county (not to mention volunteers.
How much does parks and rec pay for rental space (if any).
save money on a smaller trailer.
Its always like this, negatives come before there is any thought for the children. Fight this fight John Tylerand Grace, fight for us on the west side. Be the champions of this cause!! This is a worthy battle. At least put it out there Mr.Mayor!
Look at the total cost…
up keep on the building
salaries of employees
Benefits for those employees
cost of the programs
Parking
Security
Crossing Guards
Monthly bills (such as) electric/telephone/heating/air conditioning/ cable sevice
for how many children?????
Ok..you can look at the cost of the bills..an then lets see how much does it cost if we had to move Bob Evans from the trailer to the building?!
As far as parking..well the children don't drive so that is a mute issue! It is so located that you can walk to the center.
Ahh..our children are learning great computer skills in school…this place is set up already with everything that you need an for 3/4 of the children that don't have computers at home this would be a great place to go. Remember..it wouldn't be known as a YMCA Center anymore, but it would be the Red Bank Center.
An not to change the subject..for people that have good working computers but are going to throw them away because they purchased a new one..email me an I'll pick it up an maybe if it is possible get it ready so that anyone whom can't afford a computer will be able to get one! An please..no junk parts! Maybe we can do it where they just have to pay for the new parts that are installed.
john_tyler69@hotmail.com
DEAR UNSIGNED :
I'm assuming you are a Red Bank Tax Payer.
Would you favor this project if the costs you list (which are fair) "do not" exceed those we
spend @ the Red Bank Senior Citizen Center?
thanks,
Sell it! Turn the property into a tax generator! And a jobs generator!
Between Hospitals, places of worship, schools, parks, PARKING LOTS, etc: RB has a disproportionate level of NON-REVENUE GENERATING PROPERTIES.
Put a community Center in Rumson. Or Fair Haven. Or somewhere where there's not overwhelming pressure on taxes.
The borough council clearly understands this problem! Plus a $800k kick in the pants will let the city tackle some of the CAPEX issues they've deferred!
Guess what, Ken. . .we have tons of ratables. Why just think about Hovnanian alone! It is wonderful that we have citizens who place children before money.
CJ. We all have our opinions.
I suggest looking at the long-term game. The city is under financial pressure. The borough council apparently understands the desire to keep expenses in check. Tax revenue must go up, but a hike in taxes is not an option.
Speaking about "the children": Currently, the city is struggling to keep atop maintenance for the parks and streets. Assets "the children" use.
For instance: Count Basie Park, I am advised,lacks a long term playing surface for lack of funds.
To lose an opportunity to gain tax revenue, a $800k shot in the arm; AND To take on additional recurring, operational expenses would be Reckless.
The borough council evidentally evaluated this situation/opportunity, and came to a similar conclusion..
isn't the ymca on maple a center for children, and doesn't the ymca have computers? i know that there is a membership fee, but isn't financial assistance available for those in need?
For instance: Count Basie Park, I am advised,lacks a long term playing surface for lack of funds.
Ken, my understanding here is that we (borough and parks and rec), have received an offer from a prominent local school to re do the playing area at count basie, but one of our high ranking officials have turned them down.
What need would the Community Center meet?
It would be nice to get Parks & Rec out of the trailers, but at least the current location has some off-street parking.
After-school programs? The reason the building will be empty is that the Y will be offering that in the schools.
Computer access? Go to the library (if it ever reopens). Bill Gates donated some computers for the children's room, and I don't recall ever seeing a kid waiting to get on.
There's no gym or pool, so what recreation programs would be offered at this location? Ping pong? Pool?
I can't remember anyone proposing an indoor program, and then saying, "Oh, but we don't have any place to do this." Bob has always gotten the Elks or the Middle School or someone to step up. On the other hand, our playing fields are a constant source of contention.
And *where* is the need? So many kids would have to cross Shrewsbury Ave. or the train tracks. The Y tried to put a community center next door, and tried to run programs out of the CBLC building, and it didn't work. (A better location could be had by using eminent domain to take Best Liquors.)
Is this need at the top of the list of where we want to spend $800,000? ($800,000 in lost income is the same as $800,000 spent.) I'd rather see a playing field on the West Side.
If it were really free, then I'd say, sure, give it a whirl, but if we're going to forego $800,000 in income, we'd should be sure a Community Center is our top priority, decide what kind of space we needed, where the target population lives, and then decide how to proceed.
A community center sound great, but like Dan said, where are all of these great activities going to occur?
Yes children don't drive, but their parents do, have you ever seen Dr. Parker Blvd during rush hour times? Could you imagine parents double parking or standing waiting for the kids to come out? A nightmare and accident waiting to happen.
This facility is only accessible by foot for residents on the westside, what about the east side of town? This is not a centrally located building, nor is it easily accessible for all children from the town.
If the center is something that the public really wants / needs (open for debate), you either have to have one on each side of town or something that is truely centralized otherwise too many children will be missing out. I well thought out plan should be devised first, otherwise it is going to cost us (taxpayers) more down the road which we are already complaining about.
We are lacking on the west side of town as it is. Be nice to get something for a change Brian. The children have to cross Shrewsbury avenue to get to the YMCA or count basie Or eastside park as it is. Yes logistically it is not perfect, but it is a start.
At the meeting the cheap shots were flying again. Here's a fact. RJ you were one of the liaisons to the parks and rec committee as were Councilman Murphy and Sharon Lee. Please do not throw at Curley that he is responsible for no public forum about a rec center, you have known for years that Red Bank has kids, and kids need places to go. Why did you not bring forth a debate about such during your tenure on the board?
I think that Grace and John are good on the rec board, but someone with children who really understand the needs should be appointed (Art and Dupont). Its time that you all understood that the future is the children of Red Bank and it is not always about ratable's (although they are very close to my heart). The center that may or may not happen will not likely happen in my children's youth (my youngest is 9), so get off your high horses, stop with your little plans Sharon and actually do something for the kids. Take a ride down Shrewsbury ave or Leighton or Bridge avenue and see them all over the place. Sometimes you have to listen to yourselves, it really is quite silly
I think a forum is a good idea. David was very fair in giving his assessment and noting that various opinions should be heard. I think the bigger question is whether a community center is necessary and the best use of taxpayer funds. Based upon the discussion that I have heard, I haven't heard or read enough to convince me that a Community Center is necessary. I may be wrong in this initial assessment, but I believe in ensuring that a need is being met before spending or passing on funds, whether for a Community Center or for any purpose.
I do disagree that RJ took a cheap shot. It doesn't matter who served on Parks and Rec in the past, the issue of a forum was raised currently. RJ interjected this point when John seemed to be indicating that the Council or somebody else hold a forum. The point was that if John agrees that a forum should be held, he should take the lead. Knowing how dilligent and hard working John is, I am sure he will follow up and do a good job on this, but RJ did have a valid point.
rob just wondering if you have children, because I do, and yes a community center is needed. To keep children occupied 24-7 is of the up most importance. Way to easily, they can be led down the wrong path. They need somewhere to 'hangout'. The streets are now becoming gang heavy. Its time, be it this location or elsewhere. And it was not a cheap shot at Rj by any means, Children have been in Red Bank a long time, we needed a center back in the appointment times of councilmen Biffani, and Murphy, Councilwoman Beck and sharon Lee. I welcome a public forum for this, Go get em John
first of all i'm a fulltime working parent and so is my husband. if it wasn't for that center we would be so screwed.the people that work those centers do what they do because they love children. this place is one of the only things besides seeing the roads being recently paved in town useful for our tax spending. let the mayor get off his hide and run that center all day throughout the week, and don't tell me he wouldn't be looking for a paycheck. if the residents made what the mayor makes a year, we would have the luxury of choosing who,and where we want to leave our children.this has also been a plus because kids today thank god are becoming more diverse in this center. remember the children's needs MR.MAYOR. 800,000 where will, or who will that money go to? and still our taxes will be on the rise. cut the politics and think of the children…
I must have missed somthing? rb if it wasn't for what center??? Red bank has not had a center.
The Mayor has not shut down any center. The question is do we need to have one. I for one am not sure this is the location for it, if needed at all. It does concern me that you are unaware of the facts.
The programs that were provided in this building, where provided by the YMCA . They have been moved, but still exsist.
We as a town, have not lost anything. You as a parent have lost nothing. I do hope that you are aware that it was the YMCA and not Red Bank that you have been leaving your kids with.
Gary-
I have not been blessed with children (hopefully I will one day.) I do appreciate that parents such as you may have a different perspective on this issue, although I am sure there are parents who fall on both sides of the issue. Like you, I welcome a forum on this so different views can be heard. Before commiting to a Community Center, we should all understand the costs and benefits, particularly in light of existing programs and facilities.
good response Rob.
Here's another thought: Keep the building and use it as a community center as David Prown proposes. Improve it in a reasonable way, then sell it for more money than it will bring now and move the center to a better location and building. Plans for the Swimming River Basin look wonderful, but I think it will be a long time to fruition. It seems that in our town there is money, money everywhere but not a drop to spare (for people and community).
Cj..maybe that would work! It is a tough choice since the building is ready an move right in condition.
Bob Evans could go right into it..we could still teach downstairs,,I would even open a Dojo to teach Karate..then in a couple of years hopefully the market improves..we sell the building…Now what I was hoping to see is this..They take down the stack at the garbage dump..regrade that land…add the following:
Soccer fields
Baseball field
Nice picnic area
Along the water a nice little boardwalk so we can do some fishing an crabing from it
Little place for selling soda,chips an a nice large screen for movies in the park!
If we sell the building we could use that money for this purpose. Watcha think?
Thanks Gary
The recent news that the Red Bank Family Resource Center is struggling financially- highlights another reason why a Red Bank community center might be useful to the community.
The Red Bank Resource Center was identified as a community need by a key group of social services providers in the area. It has provided free and confidential case management services designed to connect area children and families with needed existing resources. It would be a shame to see it fall apart due to financial constraints - while we are contemplating replacing concrete with brick side walks.
I concur that there needs to be a public forum held to discuss the current need for a community center. However, I would like the town Council to review the needs assessment conducted by the Red Bank Education and Development Initiative in 2001 as a first step in this process. It was a comprehensive assessment of children, families, business owners/agencys, and educators in our area. I would also like to suggest that the town council meets with our school administrators and the Board of Education Community Relations Committee. They are directly connected to our families - and have a live audience five days/week, ten months/year. We don't need to recreate the wheel - it will slow down the process.
Just a thought, how about using the 800,000 to support the existing family resource center (endowment, seed, general operating,etc.)?
Lastly, I believe that the ideas for a community center should be expanded to include parent meetings, local group meetings (West Side Community Group), and a variety of other public forums that will promote the "coming together" and wellbeing of the entire community.