His offer has everyone talking.
Resident and business owner Peter D'Amico of SCB office park and
Bulk Materials International has offered to finance and build a
facility that would create indoor recreation space for the town's
children. Mr D'Amico has contacted the town regarding these
intentions at a time when several departments are facing
recreation and space needs.
Parks and Recreation Director Barbara Kasbarian said, "We are
really excited. This is a step in the right direction." Like Ms
Kasbarian, First Selectman Herb Rosenthal is also impressed.
"This is an excellent development," he said.
According to a recent release, Mr D'Amico has also established
the Newtown Youth Academy - a not-for-profit agency aimed at
providing facilities in town, possibly at Fairfield Hills.
Stressing again that his father has the youth in mind, Mr
D'Amico's son Matt D'Amico said, "He wants to do this for the
kids." Not willing to reveal how much his father is prepared to
invest personally, Matt D'Amico explained, "He is dedicated
whether alone or through donations. He will definitely put money
toward this."
Peter D'Amico was not available for comment this week.
Mr D'Amico's desires coincide with many of the town's capital
improvement needs requiring funding for a multipurpose recreation
center to likely house space for Parks and Recreation, the
seniors, and the Cultural Arts Commission.
Although plans are still very preliminary, Mr D'Amico and the
town have discussed coordinating efforts. Wednesday Mr Rosenthal
announced an expanding working group aimed at developing a plan
to address many of Newtown's recreational and community needs. He
also called a meeting to explore a possible public/private effort
for a site at Fairfield Hills.
Mr Rosenthal believes that Mr D'Amico wants to move forward with
his proposal in conjunction with the town. Details are "still up
in the air," as to how the plans will work out, Mr Rosenthal
said. "We're still working on how the facility will be developed
and how we will do it."
Ms Kasbarian said, "We'll work around [Mr D'Amico's] plans."
Making a similar statement, Matt D'Amico said his father is open
to aligning efforts. "If our facility is in conjunction with
Parks and Recreation and seniors or whatever, we're willing to
work with the town."
The capital plans would move more slowly than Mr D'Amico prefers,
however.
"He would like it by tomorrow," Matt D'Amico said, adding,"He
doesn't want to wait, he wants this now."
Mr Rosenthal said, "He is ready to move forward quickly and it's
exciting to see something will happen."
Bringing together recreation officials, Fairfield Hills Authority
representatives, Mr D'Amico, the town attorney, and project
managers already at work at Fairfield Hills, Mr Rosenthal has
established a Recreational Use Working Group. Also according to
the release this week, group members will work to develop
information on facility needs and schedule coordination for the
groups who would probably use the building. Mentioned were the
possible efficiencies and reduced costs through the facility's
development as part of a municipal and community center including
town recreation.
The desire to contribute to the town's youth recreation has been
on Mr D'Amico's mind for several years.
"Our family has been in town for 28 years. All four of [Mr
D'Amico's] sons went through the Newtown school system," Matt
D'Amico said. "We played soccer and he has coached travel
soccer...we know there is a need for more facilities and he
realized it was more than just soccer."
Seniors in town have been striving for a larger facility to hold
their social functions and programming. Also joining the plans is
the recently established Newtown Cultural Arts Commission, which
will require studio space, display areas, and room for its own
specific activities.
The capital plans alone have work taking place over the course of
several years. Ms Kasbarian anticipated funding for design plans
for a facility for the coming year. Although approved as a
capital project, the funding must still stand up to a budget
process.