CRCC to Fund $5,000 Facility Feasibility Study

Crofton Regional Community Center Board met Wednesday night at Ledo’s Pizzeria. 

Board Member Frank Bedard is working to organize a feasibility study for the proposed 32,000 square foot building off Davidsonville Road.

Bedard said the CRCC Board is willing to spend up to $5,000 for the feasibility study.

The research will evaluate the terrain, underground pipes, infrastructure, storm water run off and treatment.

“The feasibly study does not include any civil engineering,” he said.

Grant Architects have agreed to offer free architectural design services.

“That about $20,000 to $30,000 in free architectural design help, pro bono,” said Bedard.

Bedard said financially the CRCC will need to take a two-pronged approach.

“We need 7.5 million to get it off the ground,” said Bedard. He said it will take 7.5 million to construct the building and 2.5 to run the center for approximately two years. Bedard said this would give the CRCC enough time to generate revenue to sustain operations.

“You gotta spend money to make money. We have to do things to get this project here we want to get it,” said Bedard.

“What I keep asking people it, ‘tell us what you want?’”

“Do you want cub scout meeting rooms? Dance studios? Senior activities areas? Tell us what you want.”

The CRCC is considering having the building double as an emergency center.

Secretary Steve Grimaud contacted the Anne Arundel County Emergency Management office to see if the community center could be used in the event of a disaster.

“There are some limitations because the county is going to use the high schools for shelters,” Grimaud said.

Grant Committee member Irene Bedard told the group to start looking for large companies that may be able to match funds for the CRCC. She said the committee is looking for private grants.

“Please ask your employers or anyone you know if they would be willing to help,” said Irene Bedard.

The CRCC Board members hope to break ground on the facility in 2014.