Final Report: Development Plan & Structural Assessment

Final Report: Development Plan & Structural Assessment. Johnstown Community Development Co-operative, Presented by Vibe Creative Group, September 2007

Executive Summary - Vibe Creative Group

Development Plan & Structural Assessment, Johnstown Community Development Cooperative – Prepared by Vibe Creative Group, September 2007

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Vibe Creative Group was engaged by the Johnstown Community Development Co-operative for the purpose of carrying out the following deliverables:

• Identification, through a needs analysis (in collaboration with the community sessions and client research) the requirements for the product – the future development of the site known as the Johnstown Community Development Co-operative Ltd..


• Structural assessment of the building that addresses issues as identified by the consultant.


• Identification of potential capital funding requirements.


• Recommendations for future development along with next steps.

The potential to redevelop and reuse lands for higher market use is seen as a priority for the community (which extends from Big Pond to Barra Head) on Route 4 in Cape Breton. The results of the Hatch Consultants Condition Assessment were clear – the building should be demolished and removed from the site. The six recommendations produced from the report were as follows:

1. A review and condition assessment of the building structure and its existing facilities shows that the structure has fallen into a state of disrepair and its existing facilities have been taken out of service and modified.


2. From the review and condition assessment, if the existing building is repaired at an estimated cost of $400,000. - $500,000. it will still have limitations due to structure and grade level and that if it is not to be repaired and put back into service, the entire building should be demolished.


3. From the review and condition assessment, it is recommended that the demolition see the removal of the structure from the site, with an estimated cost of $75,000. and that the grade for a new structure be raised (possibly utilizing the foundation as site infill). A recommendation from the consultant’s report is that capital cost for re-development and or sale/lease should be included in the cost of demolition.


4. From the review and condition assessment, it is recommended that the demolition identify salvageable materials (estimated at $7,000.) and that the remaining materials be trucked to a landfill site nearest the community.


5. From the review and condition assessment, it is recommended that a consideration of a new water supply to service a revamped building or a new proposed building be included in the planning.


6. From the review and condition assessment, it is recommended that to develop the existing site for a new building the grade level be raised and that the embankment behind the existing building be utilized to establish the new grade level.

It is critical that the community come together to support any initiative(s) that will be further investigated to determine feasibility for the long-term economic prosperity of the community. An organization, such as Johnstown Community Development Co-operative, would be able to work with all levels of government, individuals and developers to table discussion and negotiate the acquisition and/or development of the site for the common good of the community members.

The community consultation session held on Thursday, August 16 (2007) was very well attended with community members representing several areas (i.e. Big Pond, Johnstown, Red Islands, Hay Cove, etc.). Vibe presented the findings and recommendations of Hatch Consultants as listed above. The consensus of the group was to provide support for the demolition of the building based on funding for demolition and removal.

Vibe then led the discussion to future land development options and potential projects. A number of key issues were discussed including guiding principles of the community (listed in the report) and priority initiatives that would see support from the region.