After the last listening session on the community center project left residents in the dark about potential tax impacts for building renovations, the town of Bow is hosting another session this week, with residents hopeful for more information on the project.

Scheduled for Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the Bow Community Building, 3 Bow Center Road, the session will provide residents with an opportunity to learn about the project details, share suggestions and take a tour of the building.

During November’s listening session, residents asked the committee tasked with developing a building repair plan to provide tax information, research the size requirements necessary to serve the town and define the diverse needs it should cater to within the community.

The most expensive option is constructing a $13.41 million structure on the opposite side of the street, offering 31,158 square feet of recreational space. 

Alternatively, the other two options focus on improving the existing structure.

The least expensive option includes bringing the community building in line with ADA standards and elevating it to meet life safety requirements, for $3.76 million.

An extensive renovation of the existing structure – including adding 7,865 square feet for expanded gym facilities, upgraded bathrooms, adaptable multipurpose spaces, and air conditioning systems – is expected to cost $6.55 million.

Both renovation options have a drawback to the town, as the existing building will be closed to the public for 12 to 18 months, depending on the extent of the work.

The town allocated $35,000 to hire the engineering firm H.L. Turner Group at last year’s town meeting to provide conceptual building and site plans, along with developing cost estimates for construction.

With an urgency to address the building’s repair needs, the Fire Marshal’s mandate to bring the current Community Building up to code or devise a viable plan by 2025 adds pressure to the decision-making timeline.