ICC asks Stonington for another year to arrange financing for gym building

The Island Community Center (ICC) asked the Town of Stonington Selectmen for a one‑year extension to pursue purchase of a gym building and associated land, saying the pandemic interrupted fundraising and planning.

‘‘We are not able at this time to take possession of the building and land this year,’’ Phil Elkin said on behalf of the ICC board, which has overseen community programming for roughly 18 years. ICC members asked the Selectmen for an additional year to resolve financing, surveying and other acquisition steps.

Town Manager Kathleen (TM) Billings told the board the ICC is exploring putting staff positions such as a development director on its budget and that estimated operating and development costs could approach $500,000 including funds raised for capital needs. Selectmen agreed to review ICC financial statements and the current rental agreement, and to reconvene after those materials have been submitted to determine whether the proposal will require a vote at a town meeting.

Board members signaled openness to continuing the conversation but emphasized they needed up‑to‑date financials and clearer timelines before committing town resources or scheduling a warrant article for town meeting. No formal action to transfer property or public funds was taken at the meeting.

The Selectmen asked ICC to provide detailed projected budgets and acquisition steps and said they would place the matter on a future agenda after reviewing those documents.