Joe,

    I have watched the tape of the Board meeting and it is clear to me given the information available that Option 2, a complete rehab of the Community Center from top to bottom, is the best choice at this time for the following reasons: 

1. It provides 10,800 SF of basically new space including walls, windows, doors, roof, ADA facilities, mechanical systems, kitchen, etc.
2. It can be done without major environmental, site, parking or other impacts that expanding the current footprint or building a new structure would trigger (potentially adding to the current estimated cost).
3. Based on the proposed layout it satisfies current needs and usage, not based on estimates, but on actual use.
4. Nothing precludes OPA from expanding in the future by adding on to the rehabilitated Community Center to create a multi-purpose/gym/additional meeting space or even building a gym with locker rooms at a different location (maybe next to the enclosed pool).
5. It strikes a reasonable balance between building a new structure to meet the suggestions of various reports calling for extensive meeting space, a gym, a workout/weight room and several other “needs” or “wants” and the reality that the owners will likely not approve any structure they feel is gilding the lily, but would approve a reasonably priced rehab and modernization of the current center.
6. If successfully undertaken and completed it will give this Board credibility as to process and action. It will allow for a continuation of upgrading facilities such as the Yacht Club and Country Club over the next several years without the rancor and second guessing that has surrounded previous attempts to upgrade/replace the Community Center.

 Ted