Hello Chanhassen Residents,
I am sending an abbreviated email focused solely on the Chanhassen Bluffs Community Center. A more comprehensive email will be sent next week following our regularly scheduled City Council meeting on Monday.
Yesterday, the City Council held a special meeting with city staff, the design team, and the construction management representatives to discuss an updated proposal for the community center. You may recall that, at a City Council work session on July 14, we expressed disappointment that the revised plans eliminated key amenities and came in well over budget.
I am pleased to share that a refined plan was presented yesterday that puts us closer to being on track. While there still is a $2.6 million gap between our established budget of $80 million and the new, estimated cost of $82.6 million (which is inclusive of cost escalation and contingencies), the amenities promised to voters in 2024 remain intact – two rinks, walking track, fitness room, indoor playground, field house with gym and turf, and dance studio. The most notable change is that the restaurant was removed and replaced with a large community room for banquets and events – an addition we supported. The City Council expressed support for the new plan with the caveat that we will continue to work toward being on budget – not over.
The design changed slightly but now better reflects the characteristics and feel of a community center. The City Council asked the project team to explain why they initially brought us a plan that was outside the committed budget and with reduced amenities. The team acknowledged the mistake and the disappointment it caused, and said that Council’s pushback at the July 14 meeting was a needed “kick in the butt” to help realign their team and motivate a greater emphasis on detail, the removal of over-designed elements and the relocation of spaces to maximize efficiency. Although the process isn’t always a straight line, City Council believes that we are now headed in the right direction.
We will continue to discuss this important community topic in the weeks ahead as there is still plenty of refinement that must take place. Future meetings and opportunities for engagement will be forthcoming, and I will share those in my communications.
As always, I am happy to answer any questions you may have at eryan@chanhassenmn.gov.
Warmest Regards,
Elise Ryan
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