ICC asks Stonington selectmen for another year to pursue gym building acquisition amid COVID concerns

Representatives of the Island Community Center asked the Stonington selectmen for a one-year extension on plans to take possession of a local gym building and adjacent land, citing COVID-19 disruption and unresolved financing and survey needs.

Phil Elkin, who the minutes identify as heading the ICC board, said the organization has been active for 18 years but is not ready to complete the acquisition in 2020. Town Manager Billings said the ICC board has discussed adding development staff to pursue grants and fundraising and that those changes could push the organization’s operating and capital-support budget toward $500,000 once new positions and fundraising are accounted for.

The selectmen did not immediately approve a transfer. Instead they asked the ICC to deliver up-to-date financial statements and asked town staff to re-examine the current rental agreement to determine whether an extension can be handled administratively or whether a town meeting vote will be required.

The board’s request highlights how the pandemic has affected local nonprofits’ capacity to complete capital projects and raised questions about the town’s role in approving land or building transfers when a civic organization’s financial plan remains incomplete.