Brentwood Rec Complex Renovations, Expansion Require $9 Million

A plan to renovate and expand the at an estimated cost of $9 million gained preliminary approval last Tuesday.

The Brentwood Public Works Committee approved the plan—which contains a mix of functional and cosmetic upgrades—with a 3-1 vote. Any construction would ultimately require a voter-approved bond issue to pay for renovation costs while membership fees would pay for ongoing programs and operational costs.

Ward 3 Alderman Keith Robertson and Ward 2 aldermen Mike Marshall and Lee Wynn voted to approve the plan. Ward 3 Alderman Andrew Leahy voted against it because he said the city shouldn't charge residents both for renovation and membership. The committee met three times in March and April to discuss the complex's future.

“How are you going to finance it to make it work?” asked Leahy during a meeting on March 31. “How we fund it is going to be a real big concern in making this thing fly. I’m not 100 percent sure we’re there.”

Leahy remained opposed to the plan through every meeting because he doesn't believe residents would accept a greater tax burden, which would amount to roughly $160 each year for the 2005 average Brentwood home value of $174,900, Leahy said.

"Let's put it to the voters. If they pass it, they told us what they want," Marshall said.

If approved, Brentwood's complex would be comparable to a smaller version of community center in Richmond Heights. Brentwood's plan doesn't call for a pool or library and keeps the ice arena, but other parts of the facilities would be similar.

The plan starts with $3.6 million in functional upgrades—like updating the roof, lighting systems and mechanical equipment—and also brings the building up-to-code by adding a fire sprinkler system and remodeling locker rooms to become ADA-compliant. The complex was built in 1975 and requires these upgrades if the city hopes to keep the existing facility, noted a building assessment provided by design firm George Butler Associates.

Add on $1 million to replace the ice-making and subservice systems for the ice arena. Paying this amount allows the ice arena to stay open year-round instead of closing for six weeks for maintenance each year, but it isn't enough to pay for cosmetic upgrades.

Another $1 million would pay for the addition of a multipurpose gymnasium totaling 6,000 square feet. The gym could be used for sports leagues, dances, meetings and performances.

Concepts call for $500,000 to gut meeting rooms and replace them with a workout facility while $750,000 would pay to add a facade that's consistent with and the . 

Remaining costs include improvements to the parking lot and energy systems, as well as the addition of seismic bracing.

The committee used professional assessments as a framework when estimating costs, but Robertson, who works as a commercial general contractor, calculated some additional costs too. He reiterated that the numbers aren't final, but are "sophisticated estimates."

The full Brentwood Board of Aldermen is expected to discuss the upgrades during a meeting on May 2. Committee members hope to bring the bond issue to the voters on the November ballot.

Would you vote for a $9 million bond issue to update and expand the Brentwood Recreation Complex? Share your thoughts with the community . Please limit your letters to 300 words or less, and include your full name, age, residence and telephone number (for verification purposes). You can email your letters to editor Ryan Martin at ryan.martin@patch.com. Be sure to write "Letter to the Editor" in the subject line. You may include photos that support your letter if you'd like, although they're not required.