Councilman Leo Botsford opposed.
Nelson said the action should not be interpreted as approval of a final design for the surrounding park. Instead, the council gave its support specifically to continuing development of the building itself, including its proposed location, parking and access.
The preliminary concept calls for eventually removing the existing auditorium and replacing it with a new civic center. Some playground equipment may have to be relocated within the park as the project develops, but Nelson stressed that those details remain preliminary.
The Tilden-Meadow Grove Foundation is raising money for the civic center and needed the City’s commitment before continuing to work with architects.
“They need that buy-in from the City to keep on going,” Nelson said. “That way they know the City’s definitely interested and we’re pushing forward with it, which we are.”
No City money has been committed to the civic center at this point, Nelson said, and there is not yet a construction timeline. He estimated the project could still be two years away and said the design could change as fundraising and planning continue.
The council’s action, however, means the foundation can continue raising money and developing the project knowing the City supports moving forward with a civic center on City property.
“They’ve already received quite a bit of funding for it,” Nelson said. “But it’s not going to cover the cost of the whole building. We’re not putting any funds to it right now. Like I said, it’s very preliminary.”
For Nelson, the ballfield, civic center and other improvements underway aren’t separate efforts, but pieces of a larger plan that has gradually moved from discussion to construction.
“Things are moving forward in the community, and I think they’re going in a positive direction,” Nelson said. “There’s a lot going on and a lot to be proud of.”
