Cost Savings Possible On Community Center Project

There are considerable savings, credits and potential revenue sources that could serve to offset the $586,685 estimate to turn the old post office site on Surryse Road into a new community center.

Ela Township has a 25-year lease with to use space for youth and senior programs, but the township is negotiating an early termination of the lease, which has 13 years left on it.

“We have been negotiating for more than a year with the to terminate our lease early,” said Trustee Jack Reck. “Where it stands, we will save up to $3,000 per month over the remainder of the lease, which adds up to be approximately $300,000 in savings.”

A portion of those programs offered will be moved to the new community center, which is expected to be completed by the end of the year. 

Ela Township and the have agreed, according to Reck, that seniors will continue to use the fitness and swimming areas of the .

The also will continue offering a portion of the youth programming.

What will not continue at the is space for the , and township officials are unsure where the program's new home will be.

Meanwhile, revenue could come from three truck heaters in the parking lot of the future community center.

“With the purchase of equipment, these areas can be used as charging stations for electric cars, which are expected to gain popularity in the coming years,” said Justin Pathmann, project manager. “That could definitely be a revenue source for the township — you could charge for people to charge their cars.”

The township also may be entitled to a sizable rebate from Commonwealth Edison, since the township is updating fixtures in the building, which will provide a credit on future bills, said Jeffrey Pathmann.

“Our main goal is to have a dedicated place to meet the needs of our youth and senior activities,” said Township Supervisor Lucy Prouty. “We did not and will not take out any loans to complete this project and taxes will not be raised.”

Ela Township closed on the old post office property at the end of June, and residents are reminded that all post office operations have been moved to the Route 22 and Telser Road location.

• Read more: Demolition Set To Start At Future Community Center Site