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Feasibility Study – Meeting Room Addition – PDF Download link

Fr. Dennis G. Riter

May 12, 2014

Letter to parish re: Handicapped Accessible Gathering Space

Dear Parishioner,

For many years there has been talk about constructing a handicapped accessible meeting area to serve this parish. About a year ago, the pastoral council recommended that we engage a local architectural firm to develop a feasibility study including basic plans with a preliminary cost estimate.

Before Easter we received a draft of this study prepared by Ronald Kessler of Sandberg/ Kessler Architects. Those who wish to obtain it may request the complete study (17 pages) from the parish office or at the parish website www.seasdunkirkny.org.

Near the spot where the pieta statue is now located on the side church entryway, there would be an opening in the wall leading to lavatory for men and another for women, both handicapped accessible. There would also be a kitchenette and a small janitor room. Beyond them would be an approximately 30’ x 45’ gathering room extending into the parking lot more or less to where the small grassy “island” is now.

The plan estimated that total building costs including construction and furnishings would be $628,000 at today’s prices. If construction were delayed, the cost would probably increase 3% per year.

Following receipt of this plan the Pastoral Council and the Finance Committee spent time evaluating it. In general the reaction to the plan itself was favorable. Without doubt it would be an asset to the parish. However both councils have unanimously judged that it would not be prudent to pursue the project at this time.

This negative decision was due to several factors.

1. The employment situation of the area has been severely impacted by loss of many jobs.
2. Given the number of parishioners who currently contribute regularly (about 250), we are unlikely to raise significant funds. In fact, over the last 4 years the amount received in our Sunday Collections has decreased by about 8% each year.
3. Although the parish has savings totaling about $1,266,046 (Feb. 2014), it would not be fiscally prudent to use a significant portion of that money for this purpose. For the last five years, parish collections and other ordinary sources of income have not been sufficient to pay parish expenses. We have consistently relied on investment income (our savings accounts) to supplement budgeted expenses. To put it another way, our savings accounts have been needed and will be needed in the future to simply meet expenses.

Given all of these factors, the combined pastoral council and finance council have recommended that we do not pursue the project, barring an unforeseen major gift to finance a major portion of the project.

Where do we go from here?? The council strongly believes that we still need to focus on strengthening parish life, especially outreach to youth and families. This will undoubtedly be a priority for years to come.

If you have any questions concerning this letter or the feasibility study, please contact a member of the finance council, the pastoral council, or Fr. Riter.

Thank you for taking time to read about this parish issue.

SEAS Pastoral Council

SEAS Finance Council