Politics & Government

$3.8M Ice Rink Renovation Moving Forward

The Town of Mamaroneck Board approved a design for the Hommocks Ice Rink renovation during an Oct. 17 meeting.

 

Based on the findings of a 2010 study by Ward Associates, the Town of Mamaroneck will move forward on a $3.8 million project to replace and renovate equipment nearing the end of its functional life at the Hommocks Ice Rink.

“We feel that it’s a great amenity…and it makes lots of money for the town,” said Town Supervisor Nancy Seligson at last week’s meeting.

Find out what's happening in Larchmont-Mamaroneckwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

According to the board, the ice rink brings in approximately $1.1 million in revenue on an annual basis, which helps to pay for the rink itself as well as other town recreational programs. The rink is not funded by property tax revenue and, since 1995, has covered all its own expenses.

The $3.8 million total includes design costs, a 10 percent construction contingency and the cost for issuance of the bonds, said Town Administrator Steve Altieri. The town has already borrowed $430K in order to complete Phase 1 of the project, which included upgrading a fire alarm system as well as lighting over the rink’s surface; they will need to borrow an additional $3.3 million in order to complete the project.

Find out what's happening in Larchmont-Mamaroneckwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

In previous meetings, the town board has argued that the advanced age of the over 20-year-old equipment was causing it to run inefficiently, presumably causing a rise in energy costs over time.

“It’s beaten down, it’s tired, it needs to be refurbished,” said Jim Druker, chair of the town’s Recreation Committee, who spoke in favor of the renovation project.

As part of the design for the ice rink, which was approved unanimously by the board, the town will construct a new snow melt pit—a trench where water can be melted and drained away—and Zamboni room for the rink’s ice resurfacing equipment to be stored. This option will save the town approximately $198K over the life of the bond (17 ½ years), said Altieri.

For the construction of additional locker rooms in the ice rink area, however, the town will not rely on borrowed funds, instead, accepting donations or actively fundraising in order to pay for the add-ons.

Industrial equipment was chosen over commercial both for its long life span—approximately 35 years—and its cost efficiency in terms of repair and parts replacement.

Other repairs included in the $3.8 million project include a metal roof coating; replacement of dasherboards; a new desiccant dehumidification system; new industrial chillers; insulation of the rink; a new insulated floor and an electrical system upgrade.

The town also hopes to add several features designed to increase the energy efficiency of one of the largest energy consumers in town, include utilizing a heat transfer process to dehumidify the air; preheating the water used by the ice reconditioning machine and leaving the ice in place year round in order to reduce air conditioning useage in the summer months.

Work is scheduled to take place at the end of April and conclude at the end of August, in time for the regularly scheduled opening on Sept. 1, 2013.

The town’s Recreation Committee is working with the Mamaroneck School District to relocate the 2013 Hommocks Summer Camp while construction takes place.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here