HILLSDALE—The pros and cons of five potential sites for a new community center and a new artificial turf field — estimated at $10 million — were highlighted Oct. 5 by an architect hired by council members to conduct a feasibility study on the sites’ suitability for either use.
At the Oct. 5 council meeting, architect Kurt Vierheilig of DMR Architects revealed the five sites under consideration: the municipal lot, Memorial Field, Beechwood Park, Stonybrook Swim Club, and Centennial Field.
The borough council previously set aside $500,000 in this year’s budget for a possible down payment for future bonding for both projects.
Vierheilig and Francis Reiner of DMR Architects walked council members briefly through the five sites, noting flood-prone areas, existing recreational facilities, parking, and where either a community/recreation center or turf field might be envisioned.
Officials said the estimated $10 million covered soft costs at $2 million for professional fees, engineering and equipment; $1.7 million for a new artificial turf field and related field needs; and $6.3 million for a new community center of approximately 18,000 square feet.
Officials said the community center will likely include official-size basketball courts, two smaller recreational courts, retractable bleachers, a 1,200-square-foot activity room, along with a recreational office, snack room, restrooms, storage room, and equipment room.
Reiner told council members that they should form an advisory or steering committee to further discuss and evaluate all the sites, hold a public discussion, and then try to winnow the possible choices to two or three options. He then suggested holding a public meeting to gather public feedback and possibly winnow the remaining sites down further.
Reiner said it was suggested that DMR also look into relocation of an approximate 10,000-square-foot DPW facility, possibly on a 1- to 1.5-acre tract. He said a new building and site work would cost in the $3 million range, although it was unclear if that should be included.
Mayor John Ruocco said only two council members provided wish lists for a community center and pointed out that the architect did not review three prior studies done (one on a community center and two on turf fields). He said though the prior study was for a smaller community center, that report identified seven potential sites.
Reiner said the final deliverable would be to identify the preferred site and go into detail on it. “The goal would be to get the preferred alternative (site) … and walk through the process and provide an option that everyone is happy with.”
He said the goal is to engage the public in the process and then figure out how to take the next steps to advance the proposal.
Reiner said that “it was a positive” that every council member wanted to be involved in the ongoing review and debate of site options for the center and turf field.
Ruocco said he would consult with Borough Administrator Chris Tietjen, and interested council members, after the Oct. 5 council meeting and develop a strategy. We’ve reached out to Tietjen for comment.