This blog has focused on multiple facets of the community we live in. In particular, we've looked at new ways to incorporate and revamp our commercial corridors, discussed new projects, and even explored controversial subjects. Recently, I've looked into the operations and support of Franklin's nonprofit organizations, thanks to the controversy sparked by CCP Taylor and Aldermen Olson and Solomon to eliminate their fee waivers. Who are these nonprofits and why should we care about them? Heck, did you even know YOU were a member of a Franklin nonprofit organization?
The issue comes together in a big way when it comes to the new Community Center Ad-hoc Committee. As noted yesterday, the Committee is responsible for finding ways to spending $1.7 million in impact fee money for a community center in Franklin. Sadly, there are several problems with the current situation, including the fact that several different organizations are represented on the Committee only to try and get the $1.7 million for their own personal uses and desires. Selfishness reigns dominantly in this regard, and it's becoming almost shameful. We as residents should inspire our nonprofit leaders and Common Council representatives to change their old ways and implement something new and outstanding for our community.
I listed several projects that are currently underway and are being pushed to be built within the boundaries of the City of Franklin. They include a new cultural arts center, senior center, youth center, YMCA, community pool, and possibly a field house and/or track & field for the high school. All of these items separately are amassing to a large amount, an amount I suggested could top $60 million. Frankly, the $1.7 million that these separate entities want from the City of Franklin via impact fees would be a drop in the bucket...but not if resources are pooled together. Here's my idea for Franklin's needs, wants, and desires.
- These projects need to be evaluated and put into two categories. Are they leaning towards more athletic needs, or towards more cultural/community needs.
- The athletic needs should be refocused into one primary center. Since we have the privilege of having the Milwaukee County Sports Complex smack dab in the middle of our community, I'll suggest that this site becomes the primary hub for anything doing with athletics and sports within Franklin. I've been watching, as some of you have, the YMCA proposal on 27th Street come up short in their vision and donations. Even with the talk of a combined health facility in the complex and the land purchased and donated to them by Northwestern Mutual, the proposed Briscoe Family YMCA has turned up with nothing other than several notations. It's time to think of a new strategy, and that stategy in my mind would be to rehab the Sports Complex into the Briscoe Family YMCA. Doing such could get Northwestern Mutual disappointed, but it would open up land on 27th Street to other developments that would be taxed. Since the Sports Complex has ran into financial problems due to the Milwaukee County Parks budget, I could easily see County Executive Scott Walker push for the transition and possible sale to a YMCA/Franklin Athletic Complex. In this complex we'd have several needs, wants, and desires the Franklin people have been pushing for all this time - - a community pool, a youth center, a recreational facility, and enhanced sports fields. Using a bit of ingenuity we could also free up land at the high school by making the new YMCA/Franklin Athletic Complex the primary site for FHS sporting activities such as football, baseball, track & field, and soccer.
- The cultural and community needs should be refocused into one primary center as well. While there would be no standing building to hold all the needs in Franklin, the proposed Franklin Cultural Arts Center could easily become that anchor. A structure could house the auditorium, community rooms, meeting rooms, wedding halls, a senior center, and even an outdoor theater. Sites for this center could easily include the current FCAC site at Fountains of Franklin, or could be the site vacated by the YMCA if they moved the proposal to the Sports Complex. I'd suggest the center to take the spot of the YMCA primarily because of the fact that I think Northwestern Mutual's mind would be eased by yet another educational and community facility replacing the original concept. Furthermore, Don Dorsan's vision was for a massive center that would take on a regional role. I'll be to first to admit that perhaps it'll be a little inconvenient for those in Hales Corners, Greendale, and Greenfield to come to, but the land would be there without the need of purchasing...something that Dorsan has told me could cost roughly $2 million on its own.
- The $1.7 million would have to be used for the community center/FCAC/senior center proposal. I know it would tick off those pushing for athletic enhancements and needs, but under this vision at least the YMCA/Franklin Athletic Complex would already have an existing building to work off of and play around with. Also, with no community center usage within the athletic facilities would negate any funding from the City of Franklin via the $1.7 million anyways, since it's demanded to be used for a community center...period.
All it takes is a little brainstorming and compromising to get things done. It also takes strong leaders in City Hall to promote any new ideas and/or suggestions to get the job accomplished. It was brought up to me last night that perhaps the $1.7 million should be returned to the taxpayers since no one can come to an agreement as to how to use it. I don't want to see that happen, since I firmly believe in several much-needed and necessary projects for Franklin residents, of which all those could be combined into two major centers.
We're fortunate to have one center already built, and all it would need is a County agreement with some modifications. The other center can easily be accomplished with the assistance of the city via the $1.7 million in impact fees and with the unification of several organizations dedicated to common goals and achievements.
Franklin, it's not should we build these centers. It's not can we build these centers. It should be HOW we build these centers.
UPDATE 10/8/08 @ 7:16pm
I discussed funding issues with both centers, and noted that the $1.7 million needs to be used for the community center aspects, which would be joined with the FCAC, senior center, and halls to be used for various functions.
Lo and behold, those who'd like some city support for athletic fields and its complex could look at potential funds from the City of Franklin's hotel tax revenues when Staybridge Suites and Hampton Inn & Suites open their doors in our community. The Journal Sentinel is reporting that the City of Pewaukee is looking into this right now to spruce up their athletic fields.
It's an idea worth looking at when the time is right.
