Proposed Field House Debate Raises Even More Questions
Concerns about a field house's costs to exclusivity swirl as the school board and public press for more information on a field house in memory of Nick Brandemarti, a township resident who died in the terrorist attacks on 9/11.
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A large crowd gathered at the West Deptford Board of Education meeting on Monday night sought to have some of their questions answered about a proposed field house donation for the high school's football team.
In January, a community group led by former soccer coach John Cobb and former board of education member Edward Houghton proposed donating a field house for the football team to the school district. The field house would be named after Nick Brandemarti Jr., a West Deptford High School alumnus and football player who died at the World Trade Center in the 9/11 attacks.
Since the initial meeting, the proposal has ignited a firestorm of questions from the board of education as well as local residents.
Brian Gotchel, the chairman for the property, buildings and transportation committee for the school board, brought a list of answers Monday to frequently asked questions posed by his fellow board members. However, not everyone was satisfied with the answers that the community group had.
Taxpayer costs
Some of the big questions involved the costs of the building, including utilities and maintenance, after it's finished. Gotchel gave ballpark answers, saying electric and gas would cost $4,000-$5,000 annually, and maintenance would cost about $4,200 at the very most.
An alarm was raised by a few board members, such as Ginny Brockway and Kate Cargill, over the vagueness of some of the answers and how many of the dollar figures and what the community group would cover in the construction isn't in writing.
“Most of my questions haven't been answered,” Brockway said to Gotchel. “I'm not comfortable going forward without something in writing.”
“I'm not voting on things that don't have numbers attached to them,” Cargill said in agreement with Brockway.
Board President Christopher Strano implored the rest of the board to provide more details about what they wanted to hear from the community group.
“Get specific with your questions,” Strano said. “This is coming to a resolution.”
Some members of the public also shared the same feelings when it came to the cost of the building.
Mike Crowley spoke for more than 20 minutes to the board. As a contractor and having worked in construction, he said that the estimates on the construction and maintenance of the building sounded way off.
“The cost projections are unrealistic,” Crowley said. “They haven't taken into consideration all of the engineering and facilities required.”
With budget cuts being made in advance of the passage of a final budget for the 2013-14 school year later this month, some were unhappy when board member Peter Guzzetti stated that the annual cost of utilities for the field house would be “insignificant,” especially after a similar amount was slashed from curriculum in the upcoming budget.
“If $5,000 is significant for technology, how is it insignificant for gas and electric?” Michelle Hack, also the recording secretary for the township zoning and planning board, asked.
“Five thousand dollars they're cutting in curriculum,” Crowley said, “but they want to add cost for an ancillary building.”
Gender discrimination?
Aside from money, the biggest question was about making the field house multi-use and not football specific. Strano said every board member had that question listed in the questions sent to the community group. Gotchel said that the community group, in their proposal, said the field house will be football-specific and not for other sports.
Board member Lisa Eckley was the biggest voice on the board in support of making the field house available for all athletic teams. By making the field house available only to football, it only benefits 10-11 percent of the high school student population, she said.
“Are we doing the greatest good for the greatest number of students?” Eckley asked her fellow board members.
The issue also brought up a huge concern that the school district could be open to Title IX violations. Strano said the school district is currently discussing with their solicitor whether they would be in violation by building a football-only building.
Michael McManamy, the chairman of West Deptford's zoning and planning board, also brought forward another issue that appeared to be overlooked. When the board said the proposal had only a facility and bathroom for the football team and therefore, only for men, McMamany stated that it would be in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which states that men and women must have an equal amount of bathrooms.
Superintendent Kevin Kitchenman responded that the proposal was created by the community group and the school district would make sure the building would comply with all laws, building codes and inspections if it is constructed.
Brandemarti family's involvement
In an effort to clear up some misconceptions with the project, Nick Brandemarti's brother, Jason, made an appearance at Monday's meeting to explain that the community group proposing the field house and the scholarship fund named after Nick are completely separate. He said that his family is not involved with the field house proposal in any way.
Jason also went on to say that his family thought the field house would be a good idea because it would give something that the whole community could rally around.
“Football is a lot more than just 80 kids,” he said. “It's something that brings a community together.”
Monday's meeting showed a clear divide between members of the board as well as members of the community. It was something that seemed to bother Jason, who doesn't want his brother's name attached to a proposal that has West Deptford residents angry or upset.
As for the actual proposed field house, discussions are sure to continue, though Strano hinted that the issue will move forward quicker once the school budget is finalized in a few weeks. He said the proposal will likely go to vote at a meeting in the near future, stating the school board has other important work to deal with going forward.
For more coverage on the proposed field house, see:
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LHJR
8:06 am on Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Its funny that we are making a huge stink about the field house but noone talks of the indoor baseball that seems to fund busnisses for out of town trainers and players. A resident can't even get in there to pitch to their son or daughter unless you go before 5pm on a weekday. I didn't hear of a meeting when this facility was opened.
Thomas J. Nocella
10:56 am on Saturday, March 9, 2013
Didn't even know there was a field house for baseball. They should set aside certain days that WD youth TEAMS can be allowed in there. I emphazise Teams because it would be non productive to have just a dad and son show up. The times and dates should also be from 4:00pm to 9 or 10:00pm. Limit outside use, non residents at a fee, say for 4 days a week, 2 week days and either a Sat. or Sunday.
Now let's talk about softball for the girls. When do they use it? Set aside days for local teams to utilize as well as reserving dates and times for outside trainers to teach Girls softball. Girls and women also pay taxes in WD and they should have their fair shake at getting better.
Deborah Weikel
8:40 am on Tuesday, March 5, 2013
If West Deptford Township is in such financial straits that our taxes are going to go up, why do we need to fund this "Field House"? Seems to me there would be better things we could be doing with taxpayer money!
Dan Finocchi
10:24 am on Tuesday, March 5, 2013
It is nice to see such discussions taking place by all. I am sure a good decision will be made when all topics are discussed.
I was involved with the planning of the training facilities over by Field of Dreams. It took 15 years of planning and discussion before that was approved and constructed.
Thomas J. Nocella
11:02 am on Saturday, March 9, 2013
Dan, I hope the training facility is open for Girls Softball. I remember when I coached Softball there was an issue with getting into the batting cages. Finally assignments were made for certain teams at a certain time.
Chloe Beckworth
10:29 am on Tuesday, March 5, 2013
it won't cost money to replace David Shields to Nick Brandemarti Community Center at riverwinds.this way the whole community would see his name for in turn it benefits the entire community.
anything that involves John Cobb it's definitely not benefitting no one but him.A field house is not necessary in these economic times.
All it would do is isolate the coaches and players from the school it self,and who would know what goes on inside after hours.
Kelly Hempsey
1:19 pm on Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Chloe, you're comments are completely ignorant. John Cobb planning a field house to commemorate an alumnus and give the High School football team a comfortable home is anything but selfish. And, what do you mean who knows what would go on after hours? That football team is the most commited team in that school. They practice ALL YEAR AROUND, creating an admirable bond between those students. Dedicating themselves to the football team keeps them out of trouble. Coach Folsom and his staff make sure they are not only teaching those young men a game, but also teach them character. They learn respect, dedication, perseverance, and class. For you to make it sound like something suspicious would be going on is simply ludicrous. You could probably stand to learn a thing or two from those boys.
I do, however, agree with extending the field house to other students. They should at least be allowed to utilize the bathrooms and water fountains while practicing outside. As far as complaining about the cost, is a few grand really a lot to give those kids a comfortable place to call home while dedicating themselves to sports? The sports programs at that school teaches students a lot more than how to play games and it keeps them safe. With the drug problem in this area, I don't think you can place a monetary value on keeping a few more kids out of trouble and in the school learning character.
thomas
9:16 am on Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Kelly, How are you. I do not want to be disrespectful as I am a friend of the family. However, You must realize the tax burden that a facility like this is going to cost the residents of WD. They can say all they want about $5000 for gas and electric however they did not say in what year. You know this building and its cost of maintenance and utilities will always grow. Furthermore, your brothers played football and I know for a fact that I seen them come to the Youth fields unchanged after the HS practices. My thought on that is do we really need a new facility with showers and bathrooms when they, the HS football team, don't even use the existing HS facilities. I don't blame them as many years ago when I last seen the shower room, they were filthy. Now a janitor will have to go out to a single standing building and clean it. This is not anything against Brandimarti and or the football team. It is about residence in WD who must pay more and more and more taxes. Ask your mom and Dad about the letter years ago that came about Riverwinds only going to cost the residents of WD pennies in taxes. The project was never completed and it wound up costing the Tax payers $1000's of dollars.
Sonja Equallin
4:46 pm on Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Kelly,you talk like their gonna build it for you.
This township is trying to keeps costs down so they don't victimize the residents with another tax burden.
The BOE wants to increase our taxes now,so why should the residents have another tax burden on their shoulders.The brandemarti's don't even want the field house built.
the town can honor Nick in some other way.and beside like the previous commenter stated anything Cobb is behind it could be a little shady.
Name one of the schools after him that would be a better honey than a field house.
It'll never get off the ground,too many people will be against it.
WDEAGLES
6:34 pm on Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Kelly, as a former student of west deptford high school, I believe it is completely arrogant of you to say that the football team is, and I quote, "the most dedicated team in the school" as I have front handedly been part of other sports teams and would argue to no extent that we are just as, or even more dedicated as the football team
Samantha McCall
8:07 pm on Tuesday, March 5, 2013
The whole issue boils down to being fiscally responsible. Right now we are not in the position to be building anything. Anything new that needs to be maintained on the taxpayer dime should go on the back burner until we are in the black again. We cannot continue to spend money we do not have. The entire country is in a mess because of this type of spending. This town has been burned enough with projects such as this. According to Brian Gotchel, the community group only has 50% of the money, well that is not 100%. It also doesn't cover the cost to maintain.There were so many factors brought up last night that were not even thought about. Another interesting piece of information brought up last night by a board member, John Cobb stated in his proposal that maybe the township could pick up the cost of the asphalt. How 'bout that Mr. Cobb. My personal opinion, our education system in this country lags behind so many other countries. Our math and science scores weighs in at about 21 on the list. I think that this is a far more important issue for our children, and getting them back on top of the food chain again. There isn't enough money for the curriculum, why would you say it is ok to spend $5000, at least, on gas and electric on a building that is not needed. Take the donated money and fix the existing issues, that would be a gracious donation. If these people making these decisions say that the children are the most important issue, why saddle the future with all this debt?
rob schomber
9:10 pm on Tuesday, March 5, 2013
A few things to say here. First, if this building gets built, it gets built for ALL, not just ONE. Two, education FIRST, sports SECOND. After all, this is school we're talking about. If LEARNING gets cut, PLAYTIME should not get rewarded. Third, ever notice how many homes are on the market now in WD? What used to be an affordable, well rounded community is turning slowly but surely into a place where many residents can no longer afford to live. Frivolous spending is making it harder and harder for the community. Growing up in WD, I've seen lots of comings and goings. My 13 years of schooling were all here, because my parents knew we had a good thing here in WD. When it came time to look to purchase my first house, and only one if I can help it, I looked nowhere else other than WD. If I was just getting out on my own now, I'd seriously open my eyes to other places to live. I don't like to say that, but that's how bad it's getting. Where are these "Joneses" that we're trying to keep up with? A field house? Come on, put the focus back on education people.
thomas
9:23 am on Wednesday, March 6, 2013
How about if the large home builders building in WD pay for the new complex? That is the true meaning of Pay to Play. The township needs to be reminded of this every now and then as they think it is for their own personal use. Then the funds that John Cobb collects and will always continue to collect will be use for maintenance and utilities. Hey can anyone tell me if John Cobb left the room or went to the bathroom when open discussions began.
WDSpectre
9:33 pm on Friday, March 8, 2013
John Cobb was not in attendance.
Thomas J. Nocella
11:07 am on Saturday, March 9, 2013
Then since he was not in attendance, the topic should have been dismissed and or delayed until he was present. And by present I mean by the next scheduled meeting. If he doesn't show at the next scheduled meeting, the topic of discussion is over and everyone moves on.