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Boulder Junction Town Board To Take Up Plaza Issue

Dean Acheson
Town Supervisor Dennis Duke points to a PowerPoint slide as he explains what the cost estimates would be for the proposed Boulder Junction downtown plaza.

BOULDER JUNCTION -- The Boulder Junction Town Board Tuesday, Sept. 27th will take up the matter of moving forward or not on the design phase of the estimated $1.26 million public plaza proposed for the downtown.

Town Supervisor Dennis Duke has shepherd the project through different phases since its inception eight months ago. He was the presenter at the two recent public hearings, including last Thursday’s session that attracted 50 citizens. The goal of the plaza promoters is to build it without using taxpayer money, he said.

“One of the main objectives is to get visitors to stay longer in the downtown,” he said of the plaza or town commons. It would be a venue for different events, provide much-needed public restrooms, shaded rest area, pathways to showcase outdoor art and even host strolling musicians.

Duke outlines what the board will be asked to approve Tuesday:

“The next step is going to cost us $35,000 to $50,000 to get a design, get a clear picture of what it’s going to cost, and get an idea of whether we can get raise enough funds,” he said of the design phase, which includes hiring design consultants and forming a steering committee.

“That’s what the town board is faced with . . . do we want to move on to this next step, with the idea of not necessarily committing fully to the construction.” The design phase would take about six months to complete.

The town’s ad hoc “selection committee” met Friday to select its design firm candidate for recommendation to the board.

Opposed – at least without having in-hand the donations needed for the design phase -- is Supervisor Denny McGann.

That leaves Town Chairman Dennis Reuss, who told the crowd Thursday that he hadn’t made up his mind yet. He did point out that there are town benefactors, who financially supported the community center and bike trail projects, who would likely step forward to support the plaza project also.

Extended discussion

During Thursday’s nearly 2 1/2-hour public hearing on the proposal, Duke said the plaza would be paid through room tax revenue, donations and other sources.

Some at the hearing said the proposed project is too much, when only public bathrooms are needed.

“What will it take to put an end to this,” said Michael Mykytka, one of several people from the audience who spoke against the project.

Arlene Bozicnik responded to comments about using the plaza for art fairs and weddings: “Why don’t we use this (community center) for that. Why do we have to build something new in the downtown?”

Anne Bronwer asked about detailed data about the need for a plaza, and also wanted an economic impact study done to see the impact on town businesses. Duke cited a destination assessment done with Boulder Junction and the state Department of Tourism. He pointed to the survey on the town’s and chamber’s websites, results of which will be released later.

Ken Carlson, who lives adjacent to the proposed site, is worried about the negative impact of the plaza and its events on his and other nearby residences. He called for a public vote before proceeding.

Greg Van Grinsven said in support of the proposal, “Some of the best communities that have great tourist locations have them (plazas).”

“What it can do for sure is attract people into our town,” he continued. The plaza would help retain them in the downtown for a longer period of time. “My pitch is let’s take it forward and continue to refine the idea to try to answer the questions everyone is asking in here because without moving forward, we’ll never know.”

Mary Ann Carlson suggested the town look at one of the three former gasoline service stations for the plaza site. She is concerned about the motorists parking on her lawn and in her driveway if a plaza was built.

Lori Aukstik, who serves on the plaza selection committee, said the town “needs to evolve to meet the needs of the tourists and residents.”

Committee member Steve Coon said there’s been discussion for the last 26 years about the need for public restrooms in the downtown. It’s “absolutely insane,” he said, to spend money to get people to the downtown and they end up wandering around looking for a bathroom.

Another woman asked about “downscaling” the project, without the pavilion. Duke said there’s been no discussion along that line, but said a design process would still be needed, no matter the project size.

Businessman Craig Mason of Peeplelures added his support to the plaza idea. “We need the foot traffic to survive,” he said. “It’s our responsibility is to provide them a positive and memorable experience that’s going to keep them coming back year after year.” The restrooms and stage “would be a valuable contribution to the viability of this town.”

Like the plaza proposal there was significant opposition to the bike trail, he added. Today, trail users spend a significant amount of money at the downtown businesses.

Duke reminded the audience that if the project goes forward, that the land purchase needed for the plaza rests on the electorate’s vote. The site is three-quarters of an acre in size and is currently for sale.

As he has stressed in the past, Duke also said the designs by the two architectural firms were conceptual and could change. “Everyone would have a chance to give input,” he said of final design elements. The bulk of construction would take place in 2018, with the hope to have a ribbon cutting ceremony for that year’s Muskie Jamboree.

He also said the plaza could be built in phases, if necessary.

Costs

The design phase, if undertaken, would produce better cost estimates, Duke said. He presented a chart outlining cost estimates for future steps of the plaza project. With the understanding that the final figures could fluctuate significantly from his “proposed budget,” the items include:

·         Land purchase -- $225,000

·         Site preparation -- $30,000

·         Utilities -- $45,000

·         Site improvements -- $150,000

·         Seating & small amenities -- $50,000

·         Public restrooms -- $150,000

·         Performance venue $75,000

·         Large amenities -- $75,000

·         Sculptures/large artwork -- $75,000

·         Signage -- $7,500

·         Site lighting -- $10,000

·         Grading & landscaping -- $50,000

·         Consultancy/design -- $70,000

·         Contingency -- $150,000

The town would be responsible for future operational costs, such as electricity, gas, and grounds and facility maintenance of the plaza. “I don’t think maintenance (costs) will be that expensive,” he said. Those costs could also be offset by revenue from events or rentals at the plaza.

Source of funding

“It’s feasible that this project can be built with no property tax money/levy,” it was noted in one slide of Duke’s PowerPoint presentation Thursday.

Listed as part of the $1,262,500 funding sources were: tapping the room tax savings $189,375 (there’s $230,000 in the account now); room tax debt service $252,500; donations (naming rights, fundraising events, miscellaneous donations) $505,000; donations in-kind $252,500 and grants $63,125.

More information on the project, along with a survey, is on the town’s website: townofboulderjunction.org.

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