In our first flyer and blog post, Republican candidate for Township Supervisor Bob Nowicki explained how the massive cost of the park shelter pushed him away from the “Independents”, and led him to decide to run for reelection as a Republican. There have been a handful of Facebook posts during the campaign asking for a breakdown of the “Independents” park shelter costs. We took our time to respond, both in obtaining comparisons, and in acquiring the same breakdown provided to Township officials as possible.
The Breakdown
This is the cash flow projection including the Park Shelter costs presented by the Supervisor’s Assistant Dawn Cassady to the Roscoe “Independents” and Supervisor Bob Nowicki in 2024. If you look at the sheet, you’ll see four boxes. The middle box on the bottom is specifically about the park shelter. The total at the bottom is $803,400. The shelter is 1000 square feet. That’s a cost of $803.40 per square foot!. This information is available by FOIA, click here to request it. Specifically ask for the April 2024 Cash Flow Projection.
Roscoe “Independents” Park Shelter Costs
Comparisons
In our most recent postcard, we talk about common sense comparisons. The park shelter cost $803.40 per square foot. What’s a house cost? A house costs $200 per square foot. You could build TWO 2,000 square foot homes with full basement, Heating and Cooling, two full bathrooms, utilities, driveway, front walk, back patio, etc., FOR THE COST OF THE PARK SHELTER!
But take a look at this. A 1500 square foot laundromat in Loves Park costs less than the park shelter! The proposal from a union general contractor was $639,200. Include $83,000 for laundry equipment, $30,000 for kitchen equipment, and a contingency of $50,000 the total cost is $802,200! It has a full kitchen and two ADA bathrooms, multiple sidewalks, a parking lot, signage, landscaping and an enclosed trash pad.
What does the park shelter have? It has a cement slab, 16 posts with a roof, a concession area, two bathrooms, a few additional parking stalls, and some sidewalks. Do you think it should have cost more than two 2,000 square foot homes or a 1500 square foot laundromat?
In Closing
Bob Nowicki was the only person who challenged the final cost of the park shelter because of the poor judgment of the “Independents”. He believes we need responsible people who will ask questions, and challenge bids before spending your property tax dollars. He chose us to join him in this mission. We need your vote on April 1st to get the job done. Can you help us?