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Proposal to build Manchester Area Activities Center going to voters

By WENDY MITCHELL, Staff Writer

Friday, July 25, 2008 2:06 AM EDT

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MANCHESTER, Ohio -- Its been described as a once in a lifetime opportunity.

But voter approval will be required to keep the ball rolling for a proposed $6.6 million, community center on the site of the old Woolard Elementary School in Manchester.

Manchester Local School District Board held a second reading Wednesday, of a proposal to place levies totaling 3.99 mills on the ballot in November.

"The bonding levy would be 1.6 mills and the operating levy would be 2.39 mills. The bonding levy would run for the 29-year duration of the loan and the operational levy would continue," said Karen Ballengee, MLSD treasurer.

The project, created through a mutual effort between residents, village, township and school district leaders, is for the benefit of all residents of the school district, said board President Richard Foster.

A basic design plan was presented to the gathering by Mark Holsinger of Tanner Stone Holsinger Dongas and Company, the same firm overseeing construction of the nearly completed new elementary school.

"(If the levies go through) it will be exciting to start a new project," Holsinger said.

The proposed Manchester Area Activities Center would be like no other in the area, he said.

The 27,181-square-foot complex would include a new gymnasium with retractable bleachers and a high school-size basketball court, indoor swimming pool, fitness center with aerobics area, meeting rooms, a game room, locker rooms and a nursery. An outside area would feature a 3,000-square-foot covered outer deck.

The design is flexible and a final design would be completed if the levies pass, he said.

When Woolard closed, local leaders had hoped to salvage the existing building or at least the gymnasium for community use. During a recent Manchester Village Council meeting it was explained the cost of building the new complex was less than what it would cost to bring the aged structure into modern code compliance.

Cost of demolition of the old school and mitigation of debris is included in the estimated cost of $6.6 million, Holsinger said.

Several members of MLSD staff, Manchester Village Council and Manchester Mayor Cornelia Dettmer were in attendance at the meeting for the unveiling of a preliminary design for MAAC.

Dettmer suggested a possible design change to allow the receptionist to monitor the game room and school board member Kathleen Stacy suggested an exterior walking or jogging track be included in a final design.

"We are open to suggestions," Holsinger said.

The board is also awaiting permission from the Ohio Department of Education and Ohio Department of Taxation to proceed with the plans. Approval from both are required, officials said.

Requesting a tax levy is not something board or local officials are happy to do, Foster said.

"This is one of the toughest things for a board to do ... but it is a great opportunity for this community," he said. "It is for the betterment of the health and welfare of our children."

"And the health and welfare of our senior (citizens) and everybody in between, " Stacy added.

School officials stressed the MAAC project was coordinated by the school district, but none of MLSD funds would be used in the project. The MAAC levies are a separate entity, said Ballengee.

Board members voted unanimously in favor of the second reading of the proposal.

Plans now include a blitz of each township in the school district to explain the project and let voters in each township know the center, though situated in Manchester, is for the use of all of MLSD area residents.

"(We want) everybody in the same boat rowing toward the same goal," Stacy said.

"It will also be generating a few more jobs," added board member Roy Cooper.

Coordinators hope to have a basic rendering of the design prepared to present to residents during an open house at the new elementary school in September.

For information on the project contact MLSD board at 937-549-4777.

Contact Wendy Mitchell at wendy.mitchell@lee.net or call 606-564-9091, ext. 276.

Reader Comments

Comments are limited to 200 words or less.

John Smith wrote on Aug 7, 2008 2:52 PM:

" This is an opportunity to have the Power Plants pay 82% for something that would never happen without their tax base. If this does not pass the old building will end up looking like the old pants factory. Drive by and take a look. If the market value of your house is $100,000, your taxes will go up around $140. If your house is $30,000, your taxes will go up around $45. "

grammaw in manchester wrote on Jul 26, 2008 7:22 AM:

" tear the old school down and build a decent housing for senior citizens. i don't think the rich need an indoor swimming pool while us disabled seniors have to live with drug addicts and drunks in the apartment next door. "

Sharon Womacks wrote on Jul 25, 2008 12:49 PM:

" I live in Manchester and of course this would be a great idea for the use of this building, but look at the rest of the town. Second Street right through the middle of town is an absolute dump. I wish there was some way some of these funds could be channelled to clean up and rebuild Second Street. I am ashamed of the town. "

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