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Highlands Today

Proposed LP center a good idea if the money's there

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Highlands Today

Published: August 12, 2009

Everyone agrees that Lake Placid needs a community center that also can serve as a hurricane shelter. And everyone agrees that building prices are probably as low now as ever. What people don't necessarily agree upon is whether the building will make enough money, or be an expensive anchor hanging around Lake Placid's neck for years. That's a legitimate concern.

The Highlands County Commission agreed to fund $20,000 for a portion of the engineering services on the proposed building. The Lake Placid Town Council has agreed to match the county's contribution. More than $1.4 million in grants have been committed between federal and state governments.

There's no doubt that Lake Placid needs a multi-purpose community center. This one, if built, would be located behind the middle school.

The need for a hurricane shelter has been evident since 2004, when three hurricanes hit our county. If mass evacuations from the coasts are announced, we could see a huge influx of people pouring into our county seeking shelter. It's obvious we need much more hardened shelter space.

Town Councilman Ray Royce agrees about the need, but he believes there is much more information that's needed before the town commits to the building. Most important, he wants to make sure Lake Placid can pay for the building, and that the expected revenue generated is realistic.

Avon Park has been dealing with a community center that requires a lot of city money to keep it going. City officials have discussed selling the property. We hate to see it go, but understand Avon Park's difficulties.

Lake Placid could have the same situation with a new building. Or it could be a smash hit and have plenty of activities helping to pay for the structure and the monthly overhead. We would like to see it be a success.

Let's hope the town council gets good information and sees that the center can become a reality. That would be great news for everyone.

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