Buildings: new and old

From one building ...

Interesting tidbit in the S-T today, about GNBRTVHS's expansion plans.  Seems the school has had the money to go through the whole process for applying to the MSBA to expand and renovate.  This is not a swipe at the school for looking to its needs.

What it is is a very brief commentary about the whole concept of chapter 70 aid, net school spending and the free reign schools and school districts have to use money the way they may want, once they get it.

Glad to know we a a town were consulted about whether we as a town would be supportive of expansion.  We must have been, right?

To another ...

I was going to leave the whole tourism and relocation of the office "debate" alone for awhile, however several things came into play which make a bit more discussion warranted, at least warranted from my perspective.

First, the latest edition of the Fairhaven Neighborhood News. Read the "From the Editor", and the corresponding coverage of the Selectmen's meeting on the matter.

Secondly, I was made privy to some information that just catapults this firmly into the realm of the surreal.

For those of you who may feel I have all ready been more blunt than need be on this issue, well...

Let's get to the arguments against moving tourism to the academy building.

No.1.  It is not the best place for it.  -  this very well may be.  If our goal is the best possible for anything, we are far short of it on most things.  The goal should be the best possible choice given all the alternatives, including money.

The tourism director is for it.  Has been for years.  The Historical Commission (not the Historical Society which has free run of the building for free rent mind you) is for it.  Indeed when one talks about twenty year old documents, one should look at all the twenty year old documents to show the seeds for the move were planted way back when.

The reasons which have been given in support of the location are at a minimum just as sound as those I have heard about keeping it at its present location. Quite frankly, because the Town of Fairhaven does in fact exist North of Route 6 and east of let's say Adams Street, the location makes a heck of a lot more sense.

Whatever adverse conditions exist in the building which would be a detriment to tourism, are the same adverse conditions that exist for the operation of a museum.  Indeed the "climate control" issues should be a more significant concern for the preservation of historical documents and artifacts.

Throwing tourism in a broom closet or the basement at town hall are not viable options for a number of reasons.  I am more than happy to play point/counter-point with anyone who wishes to continue to force that one.  Right now, more pressing things to say.

No. 2.  The academy building is not ADA compliant.  If I have to hazard an educated guess, either is the present office.  Also, the fact it isn't, applies to the present occupants of the building.  If it is a town museum, as some claim, what is the bigger travesty.  Locating tourism in the building, or running a town museum in the building that people cannot access.

But it is not a town museum.  The town has no say in the operation.  It controls nothing.  It pays everything.

Any discussion by anyone on ADA relative to locating tourism best include ADA relative to the continued operation of a "museum".

Why?

Because by raising that issue relative to the tourism office you have created your own quagmire for the continued use by the Historical Society.  If it is there as a town "partner", the building should comply.  If it is not a town partner, than why is it there rent free.

No. 3.  The Historical Society needs the space.  Okay.  Let them pay for it.  I can live with that.  Let them assume 100% responsibility for the utilities and upkeep of the building.  Let it pay rent.

No. 4.  Let's co-ordinate with New Bedford.  I have no problem with any realistic co-ordination effort. The only reason to not decide where the Fairhaven Tourism Office goes at this point however is if you intend to eliminate an office in Fairhaven.  Some may feel that would be a viable option in a co-ordinated effort.  I for one do not.

So by all means co-ordinate.  Take your time at it. Continue to delay.  Do whatever you want with Tourism.

Remember one thing.  You still need to tell us how you are going to deal with the Historical Society.  I for one have heard no mention about contacting anyone to determine how to resolve, co-ordinate or otherwise deal with the issue.

Leaving the Buildings ...

All right, enough for today other then to say I wish I could actually make some of this stuff up.  I watch meetings, you read the papers, blogs, posts and e-mails and I find myself doing a ton of back up reading because I just cannot believe some of it.  But it is all too real.

I am talking about things beyond the contents of this post.  I read a piece discussing another recent topic which has been addressed, and I found myself wondering whether my logic professor was out in left field.  I mean when you follow the steps in the arguments it really does get surreal.