Several Grand Island residents used the public-comment period to oppose a proposed $10 million Maguire Town Community Center and to urge the board to prioritize infrastructure such as roads, sewer and drainage.

Paula Shook, a Staley Road resident, told the board she opposed spending town money on the community center and urged those who favor it to form a private corporation instead. She said the town’s existing school facilities and parks should serve community needs and criticized the town for spending on a recreation plan rather than infrastructure assessments.

Chris Vlushka, of Love Road, said the $10 million purchase would remove commercial property from the tax rolls and questioned who would benefit from the facility. He also raised concerns about recent property reassessments and whether proposed new expenditures would increase residents’ tax burden.

Sherry Kearns, also of Staley Road, thanked Councilman Kilmer for acknowledging Staley Road concerns and said traffic and lack of bike paths make the site problematic for a community center. She said her assessment increased and that many residents have not seen income increases to match higher property taxes.

In response, Councilman Kilmer and other board members clarified that a town reassessment does not increase total revenue to the town or school; Kilmer said reassessment redistributes tax burdens rather than bringing in new levy dollars. Supervisor Marston announced the town will host a question-and-answer session next Monday at 7 p.m. at the Golden Age Center to answer residents’ questions about the referendum and the proposal.

The public comments were part of the meeting’s comment period; the board did not vote on the community center at the Oct. 20 session.