Pastor's Page: June 4, 2011
Parish Center Construction
"Like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.."
(1 Peter 2. 5)
We are moving steadily in our effort to construct a Parish Center that will house the many ministries and organizations of our parish. Your Pledges are being redeemed steadily, as we accumulate funds in a special Parish Center Account. Please continue your generous support. If you can increase your pledge, or even make your payments more quickly, we can proceed that much faster toward our goal of $650,000.
On Monday, May 16, 2011, a Parish Center Construction Meeting was held in the rectory basement. The agenda involved discussion of a Preliminary Budget Analysis submitted by SandPebble Builders, Inc. of Southampton, New York. SandPebble was represented by Dale Stonemetz. The Diocesan Building Office (DBO) was represented by architect, Eric Anderson, and his associate Dirk Wojtczack. Invited parishioners were Jim Van Nostrand, Bill Hurley, Jim Barker, and Fred Koelbel.
The diocesan building office representatives and the representative of SandPebble Builders used the preliminary budget analysis, dated March 2011 as a discussion tool. They undertook a line by line analysis with recommendations for cost-cutting and enhancement of our project. At the conclusion of the meeting, it was understood that SandPebble Builders would take the recommendations into account and revise their project cost analysis. A new analysis would then be submitted for review by our parish and the diocesan building office.
A copy of the minutes of this important meeting will be sent to our Vicar for the Eastern Vicariate, Bishop Peter Libasci.
The head of the Diocesan Building Office, Eric Anderson AIA, advised me and our Parish Finance Committee, that we have the option to obtain a construction loan to expedite our building plans. Although the diocese is not guaranteeing loans or making loans, they may give approval for parishes to enter into a loan agreement for bridge funding. To accomplish this, we will need to submit to the Diocesan Finance Office, an up-to-date financial report on our condition. Given the proper permission, we will be able to seek banks and/or credit unions for a five-year loan. As monies accrue in our parish center account, through the redemption of pledges made, we will pay our creditor monthly.
The advantage is that we can begin construction of the building much sooner. Construction costs are at their lowest in many years. $160- $180 per square foot, versus $300 per square foot just a few years ago.
Keep our efforts in your prayers, keep your pledge payments coming, and if you can assist our building project by offering some of your time and talent please let me know of your interest.
Peace and love,
Father Bruce
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