Tuesday 10 April 2012

$281M price tag to repair aging city buildings

 

$281M price tag to repair aging city buildings

There's a whole new financial problem looming for the City of Omaha: A $281 million tab to deal with aging, inadequate city buildings.

The plan, compiled by consultants BCDM Architects and DSA Inc.

Other buildings, including the W.

The downtown library and downtown police headquarters are the two largest projects. But by closing old buildings, the consultants figured the city would save $34 million in renovation costs.

The city faces a tremendous problem because it spent too little over the years maintaining its buildings, one consultant said last week. ".

Omaha Public Library officials, who completed a facilities report in 2010 that was largely incorporated into the new plan, want to replace the main library.

Gary Wasdin, the library's director, said that decision is the hardest one facing the city's libraries.

The plan also calls for shifting the Elkhorn branch and north Omaha's Washington branch to nearby Metro Community College campuses, replacing the Swanson and Cather branches and opening three smaller "express" locations.

In all, the work would cost $281.

Five community centers would be closed and four new centers built. "But is gives us a model to work off.

The city has made the most of its buildings, but "at some point that comes to an end," Weaver said.

The consultants recommended that the city build 29 replacement buildings for those 38 and also add nine others to accommodate the city's future growth.

If the plan were implemented in full, roughly half the city's fire stations would be replaced over the next 30 years. Three limited-service branches would open while the city decides what to do with the main downtown library. Neary.

So, take note, taxpayers: The city will be looking at ways to fund new city buildings at a cost of perhaps $10 million one year.

Wasdin said the decision about how to proceed will ultimately rest with Omaha citizens.

"This is a long-term vision that now requires a funding structure behind it," he said.

Among the other recommendations:

" Close the Benson, Camelot, Christie Heights, Kountze Park and Sherman Community Centers.

$281M price tag to repair aging city buildings



Trade News selected by Local Linkup on 10/04/2012

 

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