ICC asks Stonington for more time to decide on gym building acquisition

The Independent Community Center (ICC) board asked the Stonington Board of Selectmen for a one-year extension to complete the steps needed to acquire the gym building and its land, citing pandemic-related delays and outstanding financial and survey work.

Phil Elkin, speaking for the ICC board, told the selectmen the organization has been active for 18 years and needs additional time to firm up fundraising, grant-writing capacity and capital plans before accepting ownership. The board said it wants to review ICC financial statements and examine the existing rental agreement to determine any town meeting requirements for an extension.

Town Manager Billings said the ICC is considering adding development staff to support grant applications and fundraising; she estimated ICC budgeting discussions that included additional staffing could raise the organization’s operating plan to roughly $500,000, including capital fundraising to support building acquisition and renovation.

Selectmen agreed to follow up after staff and ICC members provide the requested financial details. The board did not make a final determination during the meeting and indicated it will convene again once documentation is available.