By Rusty Bradshaw | YourValley
It seemed the shoe was on the other foot during the March 13 Recreation Centers of Sun City exchange meeting.
During the board’s Feb. 23 business meeting when a motion was passed on a first reading to suspend the project to rebuild Mountain View Center, 9749 N. 107th Ave., The majority of residents who spoke opposed the proposal. But during the March 13 exchange, that was flipped, with the majority of speakers supporting the delay.
Through a series of public meetings and committee work dating back to 2017, a plan was formed to demolish the 56-year-old campus and rebuild it. The plan approved by the board in 2021 was to include a performing arts center, large multi-purpose gymnasium and a resort-style pool in the first and second phases of the project. Architects are now working to finalize detailed plans and ground was expected to be broken in early 2024.
But the board, which includes several new members since last December’s election, wants to revisit the plan to make sure the right elements are included.
The action requires passage in two readings. The second is expected to be made during the next RCSC board business meeting, 9 a.m. Thursday, March 30 in the auditorium at Sundial Center, 14801 N. 103rd Ave.
Susan Bjork supported the suspension to allow the board to exercise its fiduciary responsibilities. She believes to spend as much as the Mountain View project would cost — an estimated $13 million for the performing arts center alone and another $14 million for the pools and gym — without it producing revenue for RCSC is not fiscally responsible.
“To tear down facilities (pickleball courts) that were redone less than 10 years ago is not fiduciarily responsible,” she said.
