LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
The CAMP Community Center is Becoming a Reality |
by Dan Goren |
As plans for the CAMP Rehoboth Community Center continue to become a reality, the degree of interest and awareness for this project have grown immensely. It has only been one year since CAMP Rehoboth launched the Founder's Circle Capital Campaign to create a Community Center and the support and progress during that time have been extraordinary. CAMP's offices recently moved from the rear of the courtyard into the storefront on Baltimore Avenue. This move not only provides increased office space but also creates the foundation for a permanent location for the Community Center, as plans to purchase the property are finalized later this month. Along with all the activity surrounding the Community Center a number of new questions have been raised about current and future plans. Asking questions, raising concerns and suggesting new ideas for programs are important to the success of creating an inclusive Center. And, having such an open dialogue will continue to generate interest and enthusiasm in the community.
Frequently Asked Questions Q. How can CAMP Rehoboth afford to buy the property on Baltimore Avenue now? A. The Founder's Circle Capital Campaign to create a Community Center has a goal to raise $1 Million in five (5) years. In its first year, the Campaign has received pledges in excess of $270 Thousand. The purchase of the existing structures surrounding the courtyard (as well as the courtyard) on Baltimore Avenue is scheduled to close on May 24, 2002. At which time, funds from the Campaign will be used to make the down payment on the property and a mortgage will be committed for the balance. Fortunately there will be ample rental income to cover the mortgage payments on the property. Rent will be paid by CAMP Rehoboth, Community Pride Financial Advisors, Lambda Rising Bookstore, Lori's Cafe and Steve Elkins and Murray Archibald for the apartment on the property. Q. If the property on Baltimore Avenue is being purchased now, why is there still a need for the Founder's Circle to raise funds? A. Although the property is being purchased now, an appropriate building to house a Community Center still does not exist. However, this purchase does create a foothold for the future sight of the Community Center while funds are still being raised to build a building. The Founder's Circle has met about 25% of its goal in the first year and there is still another $750 Thousand to be raised over the next four (4) years. In the meantime, as property prices continue to rise in the coming years, the Community Center is in a more secure position having locked into this purchase now. Q. What are the future plans for the site on Baltimore Avenue? A. The Community Center Project Committee will begin meeting with architects to explore various options for constructing the building for a permanent Community Center. The current thinking is that in the next 2-3 years the large storefront on Baltimore Avenue will most likely be torn down and in its place will be a multi-story building that allows for maximum use of the property and is in keeping with the character of the neighborhood. It is envisioned that the entry will be at ground level, which will readily allow for handicapped accessibility and there will be multiple meeting rooms, a public gathering area, and lending library, as well as office space. Given that the purchase of the property does not close until the end of May, the formal planning process has yet to begin, but will start later this year. Q. Why doesn't the new building provide access for the handicapped? A. This issue is currently being addressed and that is why it is so important for the design of the permanent facility to be constructed at ground level. In the meantime, CAMP has received estimates to rectify the situation by installing a chair lift at the side entrance of the building. Construction of the lift will be completed this summer and there have been some recent fundraising activities to assist in the funding for the project. Q. Why does the front of the building look so empty and what is the new space being used for? A. Since the building is an interim facility, it would be too costly to make structural changes to the storefront, which may in fact appear empty from the street. However, in the short period of time that CAMP Rehoboth has occupied this new space the facility has been used for multiple activities, providing a new flexibility in serving the community, which did not exist before. The facility has been able to accommodate multiple meetings such as AIDS support activities, a large gathering with the Department of Health and various other Community Center meetings. Also, CAMP Rehoboth will be installing Internet Access in the new building, which will be open to the public. And later this month, the Gay Men's Support Group will begin meeting at the new CAMP facility as will other groups that plan to use the facility. Up until recently, these groups were hard pressed to find meeting space and used facilities such as those at Epworth Church and at other sites when available. Though everyone is very grateful to those organizations that have lent meeting space, this scattering of sites did not foster much of a connection for many participants to the activities of the Community Center. As CAMP Rehoboth completely settles into this new space, there will be a continual evolution of activities and events taking place, that are in support of the entire community. Dan Goren is a member of the CAMP Rehoboth Community Center Project and the CAMP Rehoboth Board of Directors. |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 12, No. 05, May 17, 2002. |