“We have a great asset in all of our communities, even though each community has its unique aspects,” Whaley said.
Troy council is considering a proposed $17.8 million riverfront project that would include improvements at Hobart Arena and the Treasure Island Marina Building and adjacent Treasure Island park.
The presentations Wednesday followed Tuesday council tours of the city-owned facilities and comments from consultants who made recommendations. Consultants described the arena and the marina, built by Hobart Brothers Co. in the 1940s and ‘50s, as “icons.”
Arthur “Ozzie” Haddad, a former Troy city service director and former Miami County commissioner, urged council to support the proposal as councils and have before them by funding public recreation facilities such as the city stadium, golf course and parks.
“The question is what value is placed on quality of life, a healthy lifestyle, and, as you have heard, economic development? It is suggested that it is very significant,” Haddad said.
City administrators propose issuing bonds to pay for whatever size of project council decides to pursue.
Three possible bonding scenarios were outlined briefly by John Stickel, city auditor, and Patrick Titterington, city service and safety director. They ranged from the full $17.8 million for all arena and Treasure Island proposed work to $10 million and $8.7 million for combinations that included all Treasure Island work and portions of the arena project.
The estimated cost for arena work is $15 million with Treasure Island at $2.8 million. The Treasure Island estimate was increased from $2.4 million after the Tuesday presentations to add structures proposed in the park such as a gazebo and amphitheater, Titterington said.
Council President Marty Baker asked for administrators to add a fourth scenario that would include just the Hobart Arena project.
Baker said council likely would meet several more times on the proposal before making a decision.
Council member John Schweser said he would like council to hold public meetings to “keep the public in the loop” on the proposal and obtain input.
Among proposed work at the arena were new concessions and restrooms; better signage; additions for event staging, multi-use room, storage and offices; a second ice rink; and structural fixes.
The Treasure Island work proposal includes repairs/updates to the marina building and adjacent park area enhancements to encourage canoeing/kayaking and more use of the marina building both indoors and on a deck looking toward the Great Miami River.
Both buildings need changes to meet handicapped accessibility requirements.
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