ICC asks Stonington selectmen for another year to resolve gym building acquisition

The Island Community Center board told the Stonington selectmen it needs more time to complete the planned transfer of a gym building and the surrounding land.

Phil Elkin, speaking for the ICC board, said the organization has been in place 18 years and has accomplished many projects but that the COVID‑19 pandemic disrupted its timeline for taking possession of the building. Elkin asked the board for a one‑year extension while ICC finalizes funding, completes surveying and evaluates next steps for acquisition and operations.

Town Manager Kathleen Billings-Pezaris said ICC has discussed adding a development position to manage grants and fundraising; if those positions and fundraising proceed, the organization’s operating budget could approach roughly $500,000, she said. Selectman Evelyn Duncan pressed for financial documents before any transfer and the board agreed to revisit the request after ICC provides detailed financials and the town reviews the current rental agreement to determine whether a town‑meeting vote will be needed.

The selectmen did not take a final vote to extend the acquisition at the meeting; they directed staff to obtain ICC financials and return the issue to a future agenda.

Looking ahead, the board said it will examine the current rental agreement and whether the matter requires an article at the next annual town meeting if ICC cannot demonstrate a stable operating plan.