April Update on the Pavilion Project

Drop your Change Campaign

The Pavilion Project at ABATE Acres was placed on the March agenda for Board of Directors discussion. The land committee was able to answer many of the questions that were asked about the type of structure we are looking at, the placement of the Pavilion at the land, the anticipated costs that were needed to complete it, and the time line it would take to have it built.

In addition, our business agent, Bill Kingsley, offered some insight as to added insurance costs once the Pavilion was built and the real estate tax consequences of adding another structure on the land. Fortunately, percentage of usage are considered when assessing the building on the tax rolls as well as type of structure. For example, there would be a higher tax consequence if the building was closed in or would have running water/bathroom facilities in it.

The finance committee was asked to consult with our accountants to determine which is the best way to finance the balance of the project. It was stated that borrowing the money may be more beneficial to us because we might have loan expenses to deduct against our yearly income regarding corporate taxes that we pay. They will provide that information at the April Board meeting.

There are no zoning issues that come into play. ABATE Acres is zoned agricultural and because the building falls within those agricultural restrictions, our zoning will not change.

The cost of the building will depend on several add-on items that the committee feels would be beneficial to ABATE in the future, one of which is Starwood Rafters. These rafters have a covering underneath that will keep flying critters from nesting or hovering under the roof. It will also act as a sound barrier for reverberation when bands are playing or microphones are being used.

We already know that we need state approved plans that need to be provided by a structural engineer which also incurs an additional cost, but those approved plans will assure us that if we want to improve the structure going forward that our foundation and posts will allow us to do so.

Further discussion will take place at the April Board meeting with a more detailed rendition of the structure. Hopefully, at that time we should receive an updated bid with current material pricing. Once the board gives the go ahead to hire a structural engineer and the state approves the plans, we should be able to solicit another bid and determine who will give us the best bang for our buck. At that time the board will have the necessary information to decide how to fund the balance of the project. In the meantime, ABATE is going full steam ahead with fundraising for this project. The more we can get donated, the less we will have to find funding for.

Let’s fire up and do this! Pass the hat at your meetings or events. Donate an additional $15 to the Pavilion Fund when you renew your memberships. Have members “Drop Their Change” in a jar at home every night and bring it to the Hummer. How many big pickle jars of change could we fill?

The Land Development Committee

Robert “Worm” Grasse

Committee Chair