Proposal For Community Center Upgrades And Repairs Scrutinized By Clarkstown Board (VIDEO)

Clarkstown Public Works Administrator Ed Lettre and Architect Dresen Cackovic of DECAK Architecture of Nyack presented the town board with a list of needed improvements at the town’s three community centers costing $621,000 not including contingency and other fees. They told the board members at Tuesday night’s workshop that the Central Nyack, Pascack and Congers need to be brought into compliance with the latest update of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as well as needing repairs because of leakage, mold, mildew and rotting materials.    

The breakdown of the estimated costs showed more costly and extensive work was needed for repairs than for ADA compliance. Council member George Hoehmann expressed concern about what would happen once the fees were in and said,” This could be a $900,000 price tag for these community centers.  I think we need to look at an overall plan that makes sense.”

He said the board was told six or nine months ago that the Congers center entrance needed repairs.  Hoehmann said he wanted to make sure something was not missed that required the town to have more repairs to take care of next year.  He asked for estimates of installing power doors at the three centers, which are heavily used by the town’s senior citizens.

Councilmember Frank Borelli also asked for a firm cost.

“I’m asking for the bottom line cost, the inclusive cost for all these repairs,” he said.

Council member Shirley Lasker said she did not think the work should be postponed any longer.  She suggested a review of the energy audits conducted several years ago to see what recommendations could be included.  Lettre and Cackovic were asked to include the additional items so the board could move forward and authorize to going to bid possibly at the next meeting on April 17.

The proposed work at each center was discussed.

The Central Nyack Community Center estimate totaled $220,260.  Almost $90,000 of that cost would address bringing the facility into ADA compliance.  That includes replacing handrails, an access ramp and doorknobs, installing an accessible water fountain and renovating bathrooms for disabled access.  

The recommended repair work includes removing a leaking window well at a cost of $8,200, excavating and waterproofing one of the basement foundation walls and installing foundation drains for a cost of $38,500.  Cackovic explained water is penetrating through the building’s lower level leading to mold and mildew growth and has caused the fitness room to be closed.

To stem damage in the gym and lobby, the fixing or replacement of damaged gutters, downspouts, flashing, shingles, ridge vents and soffits was recommended.  Window frame painting and re-caulking and repairing rot on roof eaves were on the list for $15,600.

Council member Frank Borelli noted the items on the lists sounded like repairs and neglect that they were way past being maintenance issues. 

“Every one of these is necessary,” said Lettre. “They’re not really improvements.” 

Lettre said the repairs and ADA requirements were packaged together to save money in the bidding process. 

A condition at the Congers Community Center was described as dangerous enough to pose a liability. 

“Congers Community Center has some major structural defects at the entrance,” said Cackovic. 

The deck at the main entrance is rotting and should be replaced.  The projected cost is $58,800 of the total estimate of $308,490 for the Congers center.

The ADA upgrades include replacing doorknobs with lever handles, installing accessible coat hooks, enclosing an area under the stairs that has inadequate headroom and making bathrooms handicapped accessible.  Additionally the main entry steps and railings, which are deteriorated, must be made compliant at a potential price of $39,200.  

Much of the more costly work is focused on the entrance and involves replacement of the ramp slab and waterproofing the basement wall below it for $45,200. Cackovic said ductwork needs replacing, the gym roof leaks, and single pane windows should be replaced with energy efficiency ones. 

Pascack Community Center is the newest of the three centers and its major structural problem was identified as the roof.  Cackovic said part of the ductwork collapsed which led to mold and mildew growth.  Snow guards needs to be installed above the walkway area and the landing area at the top of the main stairs has settled causing a height difference.  The ADA compliance items account for $6,300 of the $93,120 total projected cost.