City ups bond ante for Newell

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January 21, 2011

City ups bond ante for Newell

Panel eyes authorizing full cost, but keeping spending to $1.5M

Francis X. Quinn Francis X. Quinn The Gloucester Daily Times Fri Jan 21, 2011, 11:50 PM EST

An initiative calling for the city to borrow at least $1.5 million to pay for a $3.5 million renovation or “renewal” of Gloucester High School’s Newell Stadium has taken a big step forward, but it is not clear yet what specifics might be put before a public hearing expected sometime next month.

A City Council committee has recommended proceeding with a loan authorization of up to $3.5 million — enough to cover the entire project cost — but on Friday, the morning after the vote, Councilor Steve Curcuru said that initial motion might need fine-tuning.

On Thursday night, the Budget and Finance panel Curcuru chairs endorsed borrowing up to the full amount. But, he cautioned, “the city’s (spending) commitment is still only $1.5 million.”

Curcuru, echoing a concept voiced previously by Mayor Carolyn Kirk, suggested that underscoring a substantial city commitment to the project could further spur the private fund-raising effort, headed by the nonprofit Gloucester Fishermen’s Athletic Association, that has been under way for several months.

He added, however, that “we need to move forward with caution here,” asserting that in the end the city should not be expected to pick up more than $1.5 million of total project expenses.

Earlier this month, Kirk told the City Council she proposed using a $1.5 million bond issue that would be matched by projected community and private donations.

“Putting the proposal forward at this time serves as an incentive to the community to contribute now, and make a new Newell Stadium a reality for a 2011 ground-breaking,” Kirk said in a memo to the City Council. She had announced the city bond proposal last week, at the banquet for the Gloucester High Fishermen football team, which has rung up three Eastern Mass. Super Bowl titles in four years, and currently has a 26-game winning streak spanning two straight perfect 13-0 seasons.

Under the bonding plan, city officials hope to raise the amount available for the renovation project to $3.5 million by obtaining a $500,000 state grant from a PARC program that assists cities and towns in acquiring and developing land for park and outdoor recreation purposes.

The GFAA’s primary private fund-raising effort, aimed at generating $1 million, relies on having 1,000 people pledge $200 each a year for five years.

While supportive of the effort, Curcuru said the drawn-out nature of the GFAA drive complicates how up-front money would be available in time for launching construction this year.

He suggested Friday that a clearer picture of private “Newell Renewal” fund-raising prospects might come into focus this fall.

“We’re not going to physically borrow the money until we have the pledges in hand,” he said in a telephone interview.

Curcuru also noted that a review by the whole City Council and additional community input would be required.

“This still has to be vetted at a full public hearing,” he said.

As planned, the revitalized stadium will include bleacher stands that would set on pilings, offer wheelchair access, and use synthetic turf. It would also have a new track.

As outlined to the council, Gloucester’s track teams have not been able to host a home track meets in at least 5 years due to the condition of the track, while cross country teams have not had an adequate practice facility.

The GHS boys’ and girls’ soccer teams and field hockey are restricted to varsity-only rather than including junior varsity and freshmen programs due to concerns about overuse of the field. Additionally, lacrosse teams have limited access due to concerns about the turf.

In addition to high school athletic contests, the stadium also plays to a variety of other events, including Gloucester High’s graduation programs, youth and adult soccer games held as part of St. Peter’s Fiesta, and the annual championship games in Gloucester’s youth football leagues.

Kirk has said a new turf field could offer more access to the city’s youth football program, soccer program, lacrosse program and adult sports leagues.

Francis X. Quinn can be reached at 978-283-7000, x3455, or st fquinn@gloucestertimes.com.

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City ups bond ante for Newell

Panel eyes authorizing full cost, but keeping spending to $1.5M

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