The views stated here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the editors of this newspaper. We welcome supporting or opposing views on any published item. Received June 26, 2023.
As I left the meeting on the future of the former Haddam Elementary School property on June 8, 2023, I was excited! I felt encouraged and optimistic that so many people in town had the same desire—to create a community hub at HES.
The fluorescent green postcard invitations sure paid off. 200 to 250 optimistic, thoughtful and creative townspeople made time in their busy lives to discuss the future of this well-loved property.
First Selectman Bob McGarry kicked off the meeting by saying that, before he could make a decision on the reroofing expense, he wanted to know what the townspeople want to do with the property. He described his proposal as one possible scenario, emphasizing that it was not set in stone. He then encouraged the audience to share their thoughts.
People of all ages then respectfully presented intelligent and inspired ideas and perspectives. This spirited brainstorming continued for nearly two hours. Among the multitude of ideas for the building were a central location for all civic uses, including Town Hall, Senior Center, Club 60, Youth and Family Services, Parks and Rec., and Resident Troopers, as well as uses for the gymnasium, auditorium and classrooms. Residents envisioned the surrounding site offering multi-generational recreation, including a playground, splashpad, basketball courts, pickleball courts, dog park, trails, etc.
As person after person spoke, there was a gradual jelling of ideas. People began building on the thoughts of those who spoke before them as the various ideas were woven into a cohesive vision of a place that would gather and serve the entire community; and that the draw and vibrancy of the imagined complex would spill out into the village, bolstering our existing commerce and attracting new small businesses.
Many expressed reservations over the plan to partner with a private developer to create senior apartments in the newer wing of HES. While no one denied the need for affordable and senior housing in or near the village center, the consensus was that this scheme was incompatible with the vision for a “Civic Center.”
As the evening drew to a close, authorities in building management, construction, and capital campaigns lent their expertise. With demolition and reroofing each estimated at $1 million, the participants’ consensus leaned to reroofing. The installation of roof-mounted solar panels was suggested. The long-rage cost benefits of consolidating most municipal uses into one complex (reduced utility and maintenance expenses) and selling our existing Senior Center and existing Town Hall were discussed.
I, for one, left feeling heard, proud of my townspeople, and optimistic for the future of Haddam.
Before decisions can be made, we will need to retain an architect to determine the size and relationships of the suggested uses, assess building code implications, diagram how the uses might be organized in the existing building, prepare a realistic site utilization plan (including circulation, parking and septic) and, certainly, a predesign cost estimate. From this, possible phasing of the work and potential funding sources can be determined.
Liz Bazazi, Higganum
