Dear Editor:
Preservation of our historic assets and "adaptive reuse" of buildings like the old jail and sheriff's residence is a priority for many in our community. To many others, fiscal restraint is a priority.
The Cole County Commission has the opportunity to satisfy both needs if it will vote to abandon the plan to demolish and build new.
Adaptive reuse is by far the less expensive route and the most responsible use of taxpayer funds. This year we have seen project estimates balloon from a low of $800,000 for adaptive reuse to a high of $3.4 million for tearing down and building up new. And we all know good and well that the costs will be higher than that, if the commission goes ahead with a plan to build new.
Commission members have repeatedly stated in open meetings that if the project estimates are too high (above $2.5 million), they would not move forward with the project to demolish and rebuild. Will they hold the line on costs and go with rehabbing the old and preserving these historic assets?
If you believe in fiscal restraint, contact members of the Cole County Commission and ask them to vote in favor of the lowest and best option - adaptive reuse and preservation of these buildings.