CRCC Responds to Concerns About Community Center Plans

In response to comments and questions from a reader on the Crofton Patch Facebook page, we'd like to update you on the following information from the Inc. foundation:     

As the vice-president of the CRCC, I'd like to update Patch readers on our progress. We have modified the placement on site and floor plan of the proposed CRCC center based on advice and recommendations from architects and construction companies. These changes are aimed at getting the most facility for the money we intend to spend. We have planned all along to use "Butler building" construction, consisting of prefabricated steel. This is a very cost effective and attractive approach to designing and building facilities of the sort the CRCC intends to build.  As program plans are developed, and as we gather information from other such centers in the area, we will continue to refine our plans with the intention of building an attractive and optimized building for the community.

Prior to building construction, extensive studies regarding site preparation will be carried out. This will include improving the on-property stormwater management, tying into the existing AA county library facility stormwater management features. These studies will provide input to site preparation and stormwater management plans for the facility.

The CRCC Executive Committee has interviewed several executive directors of community centers in Anne Arundel county. All have indicated that their centers generate approximately 65-70 percent of the operating costs of their centers through user fees, memberships, and room rental. The CRCC Executive Committee has determined that our approach, building an operating reserve fund as part of the fundraising for the facilities construction. While the CRCC foundation will continue to raise funds for expansion and enhancements to the facilities and site, we will closely monitor the operating costs and revenues to ensure the facility can operate effectively.

We agree the community center is a "great idea" and appreciate community feedback on the plans for our center. Please feel free to come to any of our events or meetings, or contact us directly if you have a specific concern or would like to volunteer your time to this worthwhile effort. We can be reached through our contact page at http://www.croftonregionalcommunitycenter.net/index.php/contact-us.

—Steve Grimaud