COMMUNITY CENTER

Architects have also unveiled plans for a two-story community center in Kate Mountain Park that would accommodate up to 120 people. The 5,608-square-foot building would feature views of Kate Mountain and offer an attractive setting for civic events currently held in the cramped Town Hall.

With initial estimates at $545,000, Smalley asked architects from Premise_S if it could be scaled back.

The architects replied that the plans reflect specifications set by the town’s building committee and that scaling it back would raise the cost per square foot.

“We’ve been as efficient as we think we can be,” said Bryan Burke of the Essex-based firm.

Not included in the cost estimate would be work by town crews to build athletic fields for soccer and volleyball as well as picnic tables and other amenities.

At the meeting, one town resident said he’s worried the town is setting its sights too high in times of economic recession.

“We keep coming up with grandiose plans, and the people say you are building a Cadillac when what we need is a Chevrolet,” said Frank Karl, 76 of Onchiota.

A public unveiling and informational meeting on the projects will be held at Kate Mountain Park from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Friday, Sept. 12, in Vermontville. Architects and town officials will be on hand to answer questions and hear input.