For years, Bow has been setting money aside for the future of the town’s Community Building. Now, a group of residents is taking the next step to figure out what that future could look like.
Jeffrey Knight, one of the residents leading the effort, said the goal is to create an affordable building that meets the needs of Bow residents.
“The town of Bow has been putting some money away, and the town’s people are ready to take a look at something and decide what they want to do with the building,” Knight said.
The Community Building, originally constructed in 1959, has long been a source of debate in town, with residents split on whether to repair, renovate, replace, or demolish the aging structure.
At Tuesday night’s Select Board meeting, Knight and a few other residents asked the board for $7,500 to hire a third party to review their request for proposals and gather quotes for a new or renovated building.
The Select Board approved the request without hesitation.
The proposal will explore options both at the building’s current site, 3 Bow Center Road, and across the street.
Knight said the requirements handed off to the third party will include a space of roughly 17,000 square feet featuring one full-size gymnasium.
The group intends to bring the project’s future to voters, placing it on next year’s town warrant so residents can decide for themselves.
Knight said this approach — hiring a third party to help with the request for proposals — was used previously by a resident group during construction of the town’s Safety Center. He said that many members of the Community Building resident group had also been part of that earlier group.
Bow already has significant funds set aside for the effort. The Community Building’s fund currently stands at approximately $2.13 million, giving residents a substantial foundation as they begin exploring what the town’s next community center could look like.
One concept presented to the public over the years called for an entirely new building estimated at about $13.4 million, designed to meet residents’ demand for amenities such as pickleball and basketball courts, among other things.
Demolition is another option some residents have favored throughout the years-long debate. Town officials estimate it would cost approximately $4.2 million to tear down the building, including asbestos abatement.
Chris Nicolopoulos, a select board member, said the community’s support in setting aside money for roughly three years is a “testament” to what the town should be doing.
“We owe to the community to start thinking about what plans look like, what this building looks like, where it’s going to be sited,” he said.
