DETERMINING YOUR PREFERENCES
TOWN HALL MEETING QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS*
*Note:
Answers are provided for all questions recorded during the Town Hall meetings
and to other questions we later received in person or via email.
Questions from Town Hall Meeting April 10, 2005
1) Is there a “do nothing” option?
No, there is not such an option, however, you can express your feelings about the options presented to you in the back of the preference form.
2) Will there be any outside help from the Archdiocese in raising funds?
Yes, the archdiocese will help with the process, with their expertise in launching new projects, technical assistance, etc. Additionally, based on the merits of our chosen option and proposal, the Archdiocese could make funds available in the form of a loan.
3) Are there any serious structural problems with present structures? If so, why have they not been addressed?
A report prepared by qualified Archdiocese of Atlanta staff indicated structural problems in the building attached to the sanctuary. In both the Rebuild and Renovate scenarios, the structural problems would be addressed and the associated expenses are included in the cost estimates that have been prepared. (The building attached to the sanctuary is demolished and rebuilt in both the particular Rebuild and Renovate configurations presented by Dr. Crowley.)
4) What is the estimated growth of the parish?
Based on the 2000 census of Religious Congregations and membership in the U.S. (Glenmary Research Center, Nashville, TN) and projections completed by UGA demographer, Dr. Doug Bachtel, Clarke county will experience a growth that will yield approximately 5,900 to 6,000 Catholic individuals. The data indicates that in 2000, there were 4,900 Catholics in Clarke County. Please note that these numbers include people that may not live in Clarke County but that are part of the Clarke county-based Catholic congregation
5) Have we addressed expanding later on these 6 acres?
Yes, it has been considered. The Parish and School Facilities committees recommended that the Parish strongly consider any opportunities to acquire contiguous property for this reason. That is, if adjacent property were to become available at a reasonable price.
6) Would it not be better to put religious education office over with the middle school?
Perhaps; however, our needs assessment (see Education: http://www.stjoesathens.org/poft/Needs_Summary.html) calls for more religious education outreach efforts, particularly in Spanish. This could mean not only people coming in for religious education, but also instructors going out to satellite centers to teach others about our faith. Therefore, in whatever option is selected the design will need to accommodate the data collected and the facilities report recommendations to conceptualize the most viable and appropriate solution to the location of religious education offices and classrooms. Remember that the specific configurations (sketches from Dr. Crowley) presented are not intended to be final configurations but should be considered as only an example.
7) Where did you come up with the cost for each scenario? What type of buildings would these be?
Local teams of building and architectural professionals estimated the costs. The specific estimates included in the town hall presentations are for the particular configurations shown. The costs of other configurations could be significantly less or more. In all estimates prepared for our studies, the costs were based upon the use of good quality materials and designs to provide us with durable, attractive buildings. The guiding principle used in decisions was to build facilities that the community would be proud of in 50 years.
8) What is seating capacity for all three options?
REBUILD: 600 seats
RELOCATE: 600 seats
RENOVATE: 425 seats (or more) expandable to 600 seats as needed.
9) Can we vote “0” if we are very opposed to one of the options?
In the first meeting the answer was yes. However, we strongly recommend that you rank the three options. Even if that means 0+ , 0, and 0- The zeros will definitively indicate you do not like ANY of the options.
10) Will we only have one chance to record our preferences?
Yes, this is a great opportunity for you to record your preferences and show your support for the hard work we, as a community, have embarked in. Please encourage others (age 18 and over) to come by the school or the church to sign up for a preference form. You can ask neighbors of our current property to do so. Also encourage non-Catholics associated with St. Joseph to come as well.
11) What steps will we have to go through to present the plan to the Archdiocese?
The planning committee will submit its recommendation and supporting data to Fr. David McGuinness. We will then present these recommendations to the community no later than early June. Father McGuinness will then present this recommendation (which will include additional input from the community) to the Archdiocese for consideration and preliminary approval. Final approval will be contingent upon us demonstrating a sound financial plan to undertake such endeavor.
12) Has consideration been given to another parish being established near Clarke County in the next 50 years?
No. We anticipate that another neighboring parish would only materialize if the number of Catholics increases to significant levels in surrounding counties. If any member of this community has solid evidence of such a possibility, please come forward with the information so we can take it into consideration.
13) Have we approached the Planning Department for permission to build a 2-tier parking deck, if it were to remain in the final plan/design?
Yes. The current zoning classification of the front lot allows for it.
14) Has any thought been given to increasing safety problems at our current site?
Yes, our Parish and School Facilities committees noted this as an important component of needed facilities under any scenario. Please see report at: http://www.stjoesathens.org/poft/Facilities_rpt.html
15) How long do we expect it to take to raise the necessary funds?
At this time a 3-year pledge period is being considered beginning September 2005.
16) Is there any other parish in our diocese with just 6 acres?
Fr. McGuinness indicated that he knows of some parishes in inner cities that have this small acreage. However, these parishes only have a church and not a school.
17) Will there be additional ball fields if we stay?
We would increase both green space and play area in the configurations presented. The parking west of the school would be eliminated and that space recovered for play fields. The upper level of the parking structure would also provide additional play space (with basketball courts etc.) during the week. If adjacent property is purchased, then more recreational space, if needed, could be added.
18) Will we keep raising money from the same people if we “phase in” fundraising?
Some of the same people may be asked to continue supporting the effort but is anticipated that Parish growth (please bring your friends J) will result in others being invited to contribute to the campaign.
19) If we build residences on our present site, will the noise problem be taken care of?
A proper design configuration could accomplish this goal by creating buffers and building the residences away from Prince Avenue. The residence could also be located off campus, as it is typical of many congregations in the nation.
20) If we go to a new site of 50 acres, will there be tax problems?
No. St. Joseph is a not-for-profit religious organization and tax breaks/exemptions are provided. No property taxes are paid.
21) Do we agree that we don’t know the actual cost of structural problems if we renovate the present site?
This cost is included in the cost of the Renovate scenario. Please see the answer to Question 3 above.
22) Isn’t it difficult to go with the notion of relocation without knowing where?
Yes, it is understandably difficult to evaluate this option without a specific site in mind, but unfortunately, the possibility of land prices escalating or property being taken “off the market” make it necessary to not publicize the potential sites. We will provide you with the most information that we can (without revealing specific sites) to help you consider your preference for this option. Let us assure you that in the case that a decision is made to Relocate, only those sites that STRONGLY meet our selection criteria would be recommended to the community. Again, criteria included size (about 50 acres), location (relatively close (7-15 miles) to the downtown location), visibility (to ensure that the Catholic community retains a strong presence in our community), environmental factors, topography, easy access from major roads, etc.
It is important to note that location is critical to this relocating. We will not seek to relocate to an area that would obviously exclude a large segment of our parish population, including the Hispanic membership, which is growing faster than any group at this time.
1) Will the rebuild and renovate scenarios allow for growth?
The current plans will increase the seating capacity of the church over 40% above the current capacity (425 to 600). We will also be adding a significant amount of office, classroom, parking, residential, and meeting space. To accommodate any further growth needed or desired in the future, vertically, we can go up to three stories in the current zoning configuration. Horizontal growth could be accommodated by purchase of adjacent land over time. We are restricted to use of 65% of the property for construction, inclusive of parking.
2) Why are we limiting ourselves to 600 seats in all the church scenarios when extra costs for 1,000 seats would be negligible?
Growth is a complex issue. It is not expected that a church will grow in size infinitely. At some point, additional area churches will be built to accommodate growth in nearby regions. Moreover, it was felt that seating capacity beyond 600 would diminish the sense of community and aesthetic of the building. Finally, the information that we had about current use and future growth did not seem to warrant building beyond 600. At the same time, it should be noted that the current configurations are not final and the seating certainly could be increased.
3) Are you asking us to indicate preferences for the specific configurations that Dr. Crowley presented, or for the general scenarios?
For the general scenarios. The sketches that Dr. Crowley presented are for illustration purposes. They are not final designs. Many other configurations are possible (that might cost more or less). The presented designs help to visually demonstrate the architectural and spatial possibilities. The general scenarios are based on the needs and strategies identified in the Parish and School Facilities committee report at: http://www.stjoesathens.org/poft/Facilities_rpt.html
4) We have many parish needs. Were the drawings done to scale? Do we know if renovation and rebuilding are an option on this site?
The drawings were done to scale. Further, neither the 65% maximum coverage of the current property, nor the vertical limit of 3 levels was exceeded in the presented configurations.
5) What will be the effect on school tuition for each of the three plans?
None. The implementation of any option will rely on the capital campaign and not on tuition revenues.
6) Will results of the preference survey be published before the final decision is made?
The Planning Committee will present a report with our recommendations to the community at a town hall meeting. This report will include the preference survey results, the financial data and other data used to come up with the recommendation.
7) Who will make the final decision?
Fr. David McGuinness will make the final decision, after receiving our report, inclusive of your input, and after consulting with the Archbishop and the Finance Office of the Archdiocese. The recommendation will then be forwarded to Catholic Construction Services.
8) Do we have plans to give these surveys to people who could not attend the meetings?
Yes, anyone (age 18 or older) who believes is affected by this proposed plan can come to the church or the school, sign up (name, address and phone number) and retrieve a preference sheet. He or she will deposit the preference sheet in the designated boxes at both locations. Deadline is April 24, 2005 at 5:00 p.m.
9) What role does the Catholic Center play in the process?
The Catholic Center at UGA http://www.uga.edu/cc/ is a university campus-based Catholic ministry targeting students, faculty and other members interested in its mission. Some our registered members at St. Joseph also attend services at the Center. We encourage anyone from the Center who is not registered with the Parish and who wants to support the St. Joseph Parish goals and vision to come and request a preference form indicating their desired preferences on the 3 options we have presented to Catholic parishioners. Only united will we be a stronger Catholic community in Athens.
10) Is there any possibility of accessing Donovan High School property?
That property is part of a list of potential sites should Relocation be the recommended option to the community.
11) Will there be plans for a high school on the same site?
It is premature to say, since the fate of Monsignor Donovan High School is not yet determined. Obviously, Relocation offers the best chance of sufficient space for growing a high school out of St. Joseph. Rebuild or Renovate could accommodate a high school if adjacent land is purchased and/or vertical expansion is pursued.
12) How was the survey of parish members and expected growth areas done?
Survey details are located under the Potential Growth of St. Joseph Church and School section of the facilities report at: http://www.stjoesathens.org/poft/Facilities_rpt.html
Appendix B: summarizes results:
http://www.stjoesathens.org/poft/Facilities_B.html
Data on school related needs and growth are at:
http://www.stjoesathens.org/poft/Facilities_A.html
Data on projected Catholic growth is based on the 2000 census of Religious Congregations and Membership in the U.S. (Glenmary Research Center, Nashville, TN). Projections were made by UGA demographer, Dr. Doug Bachtel. The analysis suggests that the Catholic community in Clarke County will grow approximately 20% from approximately 4,900 to 5,900-6,000 Catholic individuals. Please note that these numbers include people that may not live in Clarke County but that are part of the Clarke county-based Catholic congregation
13) What happens if costs are much higher than the amount that the Capital Campaign raises?
Adjustments may have to be made to modify plans or the schedule and phase-in projects over a longer period of time.
14) Was Donovan High School’s capital fund drive factored into our proposed capital campaign, as they might be after the same money?
It was discussed. Since the fate of Mgr. Donovan HS is still undecided, it is premature to consider this. However, we acknowledge that the outcome will affect our capital campaign.
15) What was the amount of the previous offer for the current property?
About $6,000,000. However, a formal appraisal would be acquired to determine the actual value in the case that selling and relocating is the recommended option.
16) Have you considered keeping the church on Prince Avenue and selling the rest of the property and moving the school?
During the needs assessment and group meetings it became evident that the church and the school go together, regardless of the option selected. There is strong consensus to keep the place of worship and place of learning together for our children since it is indeed a parish school.
17) If we were to relocate there would be a considerable problem with “funds flow.” Has there been any consideration of how to finance the transition?
Yes, preliminary consideration indicates that a loan from the Archdiocese or a financial entity (i.e. using our equity in this property) will be sought to pay for a portion of the construction and relocation to be repaid with the proceeds of the subsequent sale of the downtown property.
18) If we purchase a new site can we purchase one big enough to include a high school on the same campus?
Yes. Because the fate of Monsignor Donovan High School is not clear, it is premature to include a high school in the current plans. However, provisions for a high school at St. Joseph, would require accommodations in the budget and capital campaign.
19) Is there a commitment from the Archdiocese to “calm things down” if they get “out of hand” like they did last time?
As Fr. McGuinness mentioned, the past is the past. We are a new community working hard to have a common vision, goal and dream. The Archdiocese continues to be very supportive of our efforts.
OTHER QUESTIONS:
20) Why 50 acres if we have 6 acres right now?
50 acres was determined to be a good target size, but is not considered a minimum required size. With relocation we are looking to have enough room to:
a. Accommodate more growth for the school and church ministries in the future. That could include adding more classrooms per grade if and when needed.
b. Meet environmental buffers and other limitations
c. Consider potential challenges in the topography
d. Create a noise and visual buffer.
e. Finally, more land allows less expensive horizontal (rather than vertical) construction.
21) If we relocate, how can we maintain a presence in town for St. Joseph Charities and be available to the needy?
Good news! St. Joseph Charities could still remain in town and also have a presence wherever the Parish relocates. With the recent expansion of the Catholic Social Services Athens office, the Archdiocese has offered to us that if we wish, we could locate St. Joseph Charities in the new premises of Catholic Social Services. This would create a “one-stop shop” for Catholic outreach and social action.
Finally, as you study the options and think of your preference ranking…
FORGET THE MONEY FOR NOW!
FOLLOW YOUR DREAM
FOR HOW OUR FAITH COMMUNITY CAN GROW AND SUCCEED IN THE FUTURE!
Once we have a dream…we can all work 100% together to achieve it!
We are a faith community! So…keep the faith!
We will believe in ourselves and in the power that God has given us to do good things.
Thanks to all of you!