The borough council has voted to reverse its original decision on a concept plan for a proposed sports complex on land near the community center.
Councilman Len Badolato made a motion at council’s July 9 meeting to reverse its previous vote – which took place on June 11 – and Patricia Cummings seconded it, preventing authorization for moving forward with conceptual drawings and preliminary planning on the complex.
The motion to reverse was passed with the support of councilmen Keith Hohing and Millard Wilkinson. Councilman Jake Miller did not attend the June meeting and therefore did not vote.
Councilman Carl Mascarenhas was the only member to vote on July 9 against reversing the original decision.
Councilman Millard Wilkinson was absent.
A letter from developer Triad Associates was presented during the July meeting just before the reversal vote. It stated that the company was willing to provide a report at no cost to the borough at council’s next meeting on Aug. 13.
Triad also noted that preliminary conceptual drawings and engineering plans are frequently eligible expenses that can be reimbursed with grant funding.
“The initial estimated cost for conceptual planning was approximately $43,000,” Mascarenhas explained. “These drawings were never intended to authorize construction. Their purpose was to start public conversation, allow residents to provide input, identify community priorities and position Berlin to pursue outside funding.”
Pursuing conceptual drawings was the first step of the process, the councilman added, but after the reversal, he acknowleged, his vision for the potential youth-focused sports complex is unlikely to be fulfilled.
“I believe Berlin should at least have the opportunity to explore ideas that could provide our children, families and future generations with recreational facilities our community can be proud of,” he noted, “especially when there are opportunities to seek significant outside funding.
“My goal has always been to make informed decisions based on facts, public input and responsible financial planning,” Mascarenhas continued. “I remain committed to pursuing opportunities that improve the quality of life in Berlin while protecting our taxpayers.”
The councilman encourages residents in general to stay informed, ask questions and become involved in discussions.
“The future of our community,” he advised, “should be shaped by open dialogue and thoughtful planning.”
The July 9 meeting also included the swearing in of police officer Dominic Raroha and a proclamation honoring Stacey Divello, the borough’s treasurer. She will retire on Aug. 1, and Alicia Hoos is expected to fill her position on that date.
Borough Treasurer Stacy Divello is honored with an award presented by Mayor Rick Miller. She will retire on Aug. 1.
