by Jayme Trott, Co-chair, Capital Campaign
We have great news this month! First, after several delays, we are finally on the Hopewell Township Planning Board agenda for February 23. Since the “larger footprint” plans we presented were already approved, we don’t anticipate any problem receiving approval for the project changes.
Following zoning approval, Hopewell Township will review the architectural plans for building permits, a process that should take about 6 weeks.
Our most exciting news is that our Chalice Lighter grant proposal to help cover the cost of the elevator has been approved for $40,000! We received notice of the approval this week and will receive the official award letter soon with instructions for next steps. The Capital Campaign Steering Committee would like to thank all who helped to write the grant proposal. Special thanks go to Susan Irgang who pulled together disparate data, facts, and figures, created the pdf, and then submitted everything electronically on our behalf.
Timeline: We expect to formally engage the contractor as soon as we have Township approvals. Ground-breaking is anticipated in May and construction should take about 6 months. The sanctuary will be accessible throughout construction.
Financials: So far, we have raised almost $1,100,000 in Capital Campaign pledges. Approximately 88% of that amount has been collected through the end of 2022. Expenses have totaled $297,300 on parking lot expansion, permits, fees, and architectural/engineering services. Pledge collections are mostly tracking according to commitments – THANK YOU!!
Our Capital Campaign Treasurer, George Faulkner, is working with Northfield Bank to extend the approved loan beyond February 2023, hopefully with the same terms as our last extension.
We will work with the Finance Committee to determine the optimal timing for our Phase 3 Capital Campaign, which will include a 50% match on the first $100,000 pledged! But you don’t need to wait! PLEASE, if you have not yet had a chance to contribute, consider making a Capital Campaign pledge or a one-time contribution. We will need everyone’s participation to realize this vision in support of our goals to Create Community, Celebrate Life, and Change the World!
Capital Project plans and schematics can be found on the UUCWC website here. This is a work in progress but should give everyone a consistent source for up-to-date information on the project as we move forward.
Jayme Trott and Susan Vigilante, Co-Chairs, Capital Campaign