Agenda - 01-24-2012 - 8c - Laserfiche WebLink

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ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: January 24, 2012 Action Agenda Item No. ~ - G SUBJECT: Next Steps: Northern Human Services Center DEPARTMENT: DEAPR, AMS PUBLIC HEARING: (YIN) No ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: NHSC Facility Assessment David Stancil, (919) 245-2522 Proposed Timeline (with Public Input Pam Jones, (919) 245-2652 Plan) PURPOSE: To receive information about community efforts regarding the disposition of the Northern Human Services Center; and to provide direction to staff on next steps. BACKGROUND: As reflected in the approved FY 2011-16 Capital Investment Plan (CIP), $250,000 is allocated for FY 2012-13 to address proposed changes at the Northern Human Services Center facility (NHSC) located seven miles north of Hillsborough on NC 86. The Center adjoins Cedar Grove Park. Deconstruction/demolition of the building is recommended, with the eventual replacement of a community center or other recreational facility that would more directly meet the needs of the community while providing greater functionality and energy efficiency. As previously discussed, the cost of operation is very expensive -over $100,000 in FY 2010- 2011. At this time, the building use is limited to a day care and Head Start program, along with limited County recreation programs. The day care and Head Start program have been noticed that the facility would not be available beginning January 1, 2013. During its work session in March, 2011, the Board of Commissioners expressed interest in pursuing some type of project at the site, but desired that the community be engaged in a meaningful dialogue that would help inform decisions about the removal and eventual replacement of this facility. After considerable discussion and a review of the current structure's status, the Manager directed staff as a preliminary "check-in" to contact a small group of northern Orange residents who had been active in previous efforts at the site and could provide initial informal feedback regarding the building and the type of facility that would best serve the community. In addition, the small group provided suggestions about how best to contact the community at large to assess its interests.