Cheltenham Township has posted a series of updates regarding the ongoing Facilities Study. A recording of the July 26 Concept Presentation has been posted as well.
The Township notes that comments on the presentation will be available until Thursday, August 31.
From the Township’s announcement:
In the summer of 2022, Cheltenham Township engaged the design team of KCBA and Re:Vision Architecture to evaluate the condition of a majority of Cheltenham Township’s 16 facilities. This study will help to understand the extent of the facilities’ conditions and the cost to renovate them to ensure their mechanicals and structures are in good working order, are compliant with current building codes, and can meet current and future programming needs.
Over the years, the Township has had to make tough decisions on funding and maintaining its extensive and aging infrastructure while not unduly stressing our taxpayers – a very difficult balance. Every one of Cheltenham’s facilities is at a point where basic maintenance is no longer able to provide safe and comfortable user experiences. Significant and expensive capital repairs are required to keep these buildings in operation.
Our goal with this project is to take advantage of the opportunity presenting itself – to wholistically evaluate all of Cheltenham’s facilities and services to increase efficiencies, improve service, and engage in fiscal sustainability. While many of our facilities are experiencing significant issues, it is fiscally prudent to not just “fix things” or accept quick solutions. Our goal is to think outside of our usual boxes to consider how these facilities can best serve our community long into the future. We have spent a lot of time over the past few months asking, “What if?” and putting ideas up on the wall to see what would stick. These ideas have come from things we have seen and heard from you, our residents; our board; staff; and maybe just our imagination in order to help provide the excellent facilities, programs, and services our residents deserve.
The information below contains links to presentations on the condition of our various facilities, community meetings, and concept plans for your review. Nothing is final – we still have a lot of work to do before any decisions can be made. We ask you to review these concepts with an open mind and take your time digesting each of the concepts proposed, then send us your comments to facilities@cheltenhampa.gov to let us know what parts of the concepts you like, what you would change, and if there is anything we are missing. We are accepting comments on the July 26, 2023 Concept Presentation until August 31, 2023.
- We will also be compiling FAQs and posting it on this page, so check back periodically for updates (or subscribe to e-notifications for news releases).
- We are in the process of investigating financing options, including bonds, grants, divesting Township property, and considering the impact on property taxes and fees.
- We will be having public conversations after we have had a chance to review your comments and investigate financing options, before any decisions are made.
RECORDING: View Facilities Study Public Meeting on YouTube. The slidedeck from the presentation will be available soon.
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