Community Center Will Open Possibilities
There’s been much hullaballoo about the planned Enchanted Hills Community Center, which will replace the current community building. Several costly issues — from purchasing security cameras to addressing flooding in the basement/storm shelter — had grown at the old location, making them impossible to put aside.
Enchanted Hills Community Association board member Steve Dixon noted they have a problem with young adults smoking meth behind the current building. “We started looking at security cameras,” Dixon said, noting the cost for that was estimated between $3,000 to $5,000.
Then there was the old basement. “If the power goes out in the spring, there’s a foot of water in there. There’s an old concrete base and water just shoots up.”
Dixon noted repairs to get the basement water tight would be anywhere between $20,000 to $30,000. Another major concern that needed addressed is the malfunctioning restrooms, also not ADA compliant. The push to build a new building to address these issues occurred after the insurance provider for the current building recommended it not be used.
The proposed replacement is slated to be 1,984 square-feet and contain a food pantry and thrift store, plus an office and meeting room for the EHCA. It will also feature handicap access, new bathrooms and a storm shelter made with concrete and rebar. The anticipated cost of the building is approximately $120,000.
Much of the funding for the project, approximately 73 percent, will be provided by grants. This funding also includes backing for programs that will run in the building — not only the thrift store and food pantry, but also a concession stand, a mobile food pantry and programs ran by Purdue Extension and church outreach groups.
Commitments toward the project will also come from the association, which will put forth approximately $27,000. Bowen Center, helping with the project and the programs planned to run in the new building, will chip in 12 percent of the costs, approximately $22,000.
Rick Patton, program manager with the current Enchanted Hills Community Partnership Center stated, “It’s not at all about the Bowen Center.” Patton added the community would be the key holders for the center, not the Bowen Center.
The Bowen Center, however, will be running several of the programs in the building, such as the thrift store and food pantry, and will be leasing the community building for 10 years with two optional five-year renewals. Patton stated should there be negligence on Bowen Center’s part, the association holds the option of declining their renewal; otherwise, Bowen Center holds the right to renewal.
As part of the lease, Dixon said Bowen Center will pay for the building’s insurance and maintenance while EHCA is responsible for utilities and property taxes. Dixon said the association is also hopeful about getting an abatement.
Currently, the EHCA still needs to sign a check for the project, which it will do at its next meeting. The Bowen Center lease also needs to be recorded with the county recorder so it is on public record. Beyond that, Patton stated the building permit is in hand and the construction team is ready to go.
“As far as the board is concerned, we are moving ahead,” Dixon said.
Patton added, “It’s weather permitting.” He noted they don’t want to get past the project’s mid-March deadline.
The public can attend the association’s regular meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2, in the Enchanted Hills Community Partnership Center to discussion or get more information regarding this project.