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ICC asks Stonington selectmen for another year to pursue gym-and-land acquisition
Summary
Philanthropic ICC leaders told the Selectmen they are not yet ready to take ownership of a gym building and asked for a one-year extension to finalize surveying, financing and a capital plan; the town said it will review the ICC’s financials and the rental agreement before deciding whether to extend the timeline or place the question before voters.
The independent community center (ICC) asked the Town of Stonington Selectmen on Dec. 14 for a one-year extension to complete work required before taking possession of a gym building and adjoining land.
"It has been 18 years we have existed and accomplished many things," Phil Elkin, speaking for the ICC board, said, adding that the COVID-19 pandemic has complicated the group’s planning and fundraising. He asked the board for more time to complete surveying, secure financing and finalize steps needed for acquisition.
Town Manager Billings told the board the ICC is discussing hiring development staff to pursue grants and fundraising and that those conversations, combined with program expansion, could produce an operating and capital picture in the range of about $500,000. Selectman Evelyn Duncan pressed the ICC for clearer financials before the town commits to any schedule change.
The request matters because transferring title or granting new long-term occupancy rights could require voter approval at a town meeting. The Selectmen voted to review the ICC’s financial statements and the existing rental agreement, then meet again to decide whether to grant an administrative extension or place the acquisition before voters.
Board members said they were sympathetic to the ICC’s goals but wanted transparent documentation of how the group planned to operate and fund both ongoing programs and the building’s capital needs. Selectmen did not set a final deadline at the meeting; they asked the ICC for a detailed budget and fundraising plan and for the TM to report back with the rental agreement’s terms and any legal implications.
The Selectmen’s next action on this request will depend on the ICC’s follow-up materials and on whether a town meeting article will be necessary to authorize the transfer or long-term occupancy.
