BY MARIE McCAIN
The Cincinnati Enquirer
SPRINGDALE -- City council was locked in debate Wednesday night over which of four proposals should be selected to expand the city's recreation center.
Council must choose from four options that would cost from $10.1 million to $14.5 million.
Mayor Doyle Webster tried to persuade council to vote for the cheapest option.
"It triples the current size of the center," he said of that option. "It's not the Cadillac, but I personally have a lot of sticker shock.
"As chief executive officer of this city, I have to keep everything at a balance," he said. "I have to look at the difference between what we need and what we want."
Debate centered on the cheapest option and the second-highest option, which would cost an estimated $13.8 million.
Each option involves a multistory addition to the existing 26-year-old structure at 11999 Lawnview Ave. But options differ in the size of the addition and amenities.
Once an option is chosen, city officials will have to decide how to pay for the project.
The four options are:
Expand the building to 70,384 square feet. This option features a three-story addition with a running track, a double gym and improved parking. Total cost would be $13.8 million.
The most expensive option is identical to the first one except the track is longer. Square footage would be increased to 74,512. Total cost would be $14.5 million.
Reduce the size of the addition to two stories and eliminate two meeting rooms and some parking spaces. It increases the community center to 68,236 square feet. Total cost would be $12.4 million.
Pare down the double gym to an oversized single gym, delete some rooms and plumbing fixtures. This is the cheapest option and increases the square footage to 59,036. Total cost would be $10.1 million.
