RCSC Buying Buildings

I am curious if others feel as I do that RCSC should not even consider buying buildings until the following two things happen:

1. A member approved long range plan process and an initial long range plan is in place.
2. Our processes and security are modernized.
3. Our existing facilities are in tip top shape.

Sorry, but this latest Board discussion and the library controversy makes me wonder our leadership is focused on the important stuff.

 

Sometimes you have to take advantage of the opportunity even when you aren't completely ready for it.

 

I'm disappointed in the fact that this week's RCSC e-mail blast came out and not a word about that property was even mentioned?

 

Renters:
Acuity Specialty Hospital of Arizona at Sun City
https://seniorsbluebook.com/senior-...hospital-of-arizona-at-sun-city-sun-city-az-2

Trillium Specialty Hospital West Valley
https://www.senioradvice.com/provid...y-hospital-of-arizona-at-sun-city-sun-city-az

Hearthstone of Sun City
https://seniors.fyi/skilled-nursing-facilities/arizona/sun-city/hearthstone-of-sun-city-39214

Current Owner Warranty Deed:
https://recorder.maricopa.gov/UnOfficialDocs/pdf/20190981349.pdf

 

No doubt but why is this the opportunity? What need does it fill?

 

I was around the town when a previous Board passed on the Lakes Club so may be a bit biased in my thinking so I spoke to several neighbors who are newer to Sun City and I would be leaning to purchase (at the right price of course) for these reasons:

1. Space is at a premium in the current centers and the new building would allow Administration and other “offices” to move to the new building as well as building out additional club space while making Lakeview all recreation and activities. Even with the current building footprint I can envision one or two of the pods being used for the indoor dog space that many are looking for where the cost of the land and building are close to the estimate for the desired dog facility alone.

2. Possibly the most important reason to purchase, if the RCSC passes who knows who will purchase the property and what they will use it for. Neighbors said at one time it was going to be turned into some sort of residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation center which was not well received by our residents. I hate to be a NIMBY but do we really want this type of operation in the center of our community?

3. While this may not be the last opportunity to expand our property footprint, looking around the area it may be the best opportunity to purchase now at a reasonable cost with an eye on the future. We need to keep Sun City relevant for future generations and maintain our own property values. This property would ensure space would be available in the future for clubs and activities that we haven’t even considered and would certainly not be included in any short, medium or long term plan that is in process.

In a perfect world long-range planning, modernization and facility rehabilitation would already be far along in the process, but opportunities like this don’t come along all that often and must be considered along with pushing forward on other important initiatives.

All this said I’m not advocating to write a check next week. A thorough due diligence process needs to be completed including but not limited to a thorough examination of the building condition and some out of the box thinking on how it could be used for the near term. Surely, we have residents with commercial property experience that could lend their expertise. Although to be honest, I have serious reservations that the Board will follow their past practice and hand pick stooges that will be swayed to their own personal desired outcome. Hopefully they will break with the past and seek impartial qualified residents, not just their "friends" in the clique.

 

I believe it is important to have long range plans in place and update them regularly. However I don't think it is prudent to make them so inflexible that opportunities are missed. Not sure if this is one of those, but hope the Board gives serious consideration to purchase it, and equal consideration to letting it go. From my past Board experience, I have learned that once a property is vacated, the new owner needs to bring it up to current fire standards which might be more stringent than under the previous ownership.

 

Janet you bring up an excellent point about RCSC plans being flexible enough to take advantage of great opportunities when they arise. No one knows what the future may hold! Thanks for the very thoughtful response.

 

I like the idea of having additional space available so that everything that is presently being discussed doesn’t have to be crammed into a very confined space. It allows for flexibility in future design and expansion, but as mentioned, at what cost? And also remember the more real estate that gets added, the higher the annual maintenance costs and the higher the annual assessment. How much more will members tolerate?

 

The Lakes Club was the first thing I thought about when this building was mentioned and having control of the property was second.

 

I am for waiting to see the reports due out next month. The real estate in question has sat vacant for many months, so let it sit empty for at least 3 more.

 

Tom it’s sat vacant for many years!

 

I don't like the idea of adding assets, more facilities, more expenses to a community that has a limited number of rooftops. I didn't like when they purchased the Grand Avenue property and turned it into an 8th recreation center.

But here's a couple of thoughts; first, if we don't buy it who know what type of a facility someone else may turn it into?

And here's something to consider longer term. What if we purchased the property and turned it into the Corporate Office, Member Services, and some Clubs and then when the time comes to renovate the Lake View Center, we demolish the existing building and build a beautiful Performing Arts Center right there in front of the lake. I would also recommend eliminating the pool and possibility eliminating some of the other amenities if that area was needed to accommodate parking. This would get us back to our 7 recreation centers.

I would expect to be long dead and buried by the time this happened but I think it's a good plan.

HOWEVER! If they plan on keeping all the Rec Centers and amenities, I would strongly suggest that if we do purchase the property we do something with it that would produce an income rather than an expense.

Just my opinion!

 

Month(s), years who’s counting? Lol
But yes, I get your point.

 

Don’t count your life short Thomas! I’m thinking you got at least 15 more in ya.

 

The reports due out next month shall be interesting.

 

I live near the former Aquity building. As a resident living a block away from empty facility, I would be happy for RCSC to purchase the building.
My reasons are that the building almost turned into a drug/alcohol rehab hospital some 5 years ago. Neighbors complained and it went to Clint Hickman and the deal was terminated.
We would not like to see that happen inside the community.
I feel if we can afford it, turning it into maybe Admin. offices, club and education center may be an excellent idea, but mostly it would protect the residents over here from
the neighborhood going into a further slide down.
Maybe the GM is thinking of putting one of the Libraries over here to use Fairway library for something else in future.
I do think we would ultimately have to be able to afford a renovation and the building, but it makes the folks living near here better about upgrading the area in here.

 

And we should take this as Gospel truth because the BOD has always been transparent, honest, and never hides anything.

 

The missed opportunity of The Lakes Club always gets me weepy....

 

IF RCSC were to purchase the property, would they be allowed to rent out some space to help offset operating costs? Is Posse space at Grand Ave. rented or donated?
I'm thinking SCHOA, CAN, Condo Ass., as possibilities for sharing office and meeting room space. I read the RCSC Articles of Incorporation and I don't see anything directly prohibiting such an alliance. Would be convenient to have them all in one spot and have a meeting space that each could use when needed by rotating the schedule--plus, meetings about landscaping and safety, etc. are topics that overlap....