As we announced last Sunday, the KGS Committee held an informational meeting for anyone interested in our tentative plans for the KGS property. 32 parishioners joined the committee for an overview of the project as it stands right now.
After viewing more images of the inside of the building, it became clear to most that it is in such a bad state of repair that it is beyond our means to repair. It was a sad realization for a couple of people who attended because they had fond memories of the building when it was in good shape.
Next, members of the Committee presented some ideas for the property they have been working on. These ideas were, for the most part, received well by the participants.
Some of the questions /comments expressed by the those present included:
A request for complete transparency in presenting the project to the parish. I made a point to assure them that there would be complete transparency and, in fact, that was the purpose of the meeting.
The possibility of sports fields was raised and the committee explained that there was just not enough room for parking and regulation size ball fields.
We were asked if we had thought of ways to raise money with the property and the committee stated that they would be open to any ideas.
We were also asked if we would be willing to donate some of the architectural elements in the building to the town or other organizations. We assured those present we would be happy to give anything that we did not need to any group interested as long as that group was willing to provide the funds needed to remove the things they wanted.
While I wish more people would have attended, I have to say that I left the meeting encouraged by the questions asked and the responses given. No one spoke against the purchase or the tentative plans. I believe the meeting served its intended purpose of allowing those interested the chance to see the plans for our new property and offer any ideas they might have.
A heartfelt thank you to the Committee members and parishioners who attended.