Dear Dharma Friends:
Columbus KTC’s journey home – the journey to a new home for our sangha after the arson fire of January 31, 2016 – has arrived at a new juncture, and we are anxious to share the latest news and updates about the project with you all and gather your thoughts and advice.
To do that, we’re setting up a Sangha Meeting for 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday April 24 in our Main Shrine Room at Congregation Tifereth Israel, 1354 E. Broad St. All are welcome – we hope you all can be there.
To give you a preview of what you’ll be hearing at the meeting, here’s a quick update:
– The team of Centerpoint Construction and Architects Pete McCrae and Peter Lenz has been working on refining our new building design for our property at the former 231 S. Grubb Street for the past 8-9 months.
– The team has identified City of Columbus Codes that the KTC has to adhere to, including an expensive storm-water removal system to help prevent flooding in our low-lying area.
– After two rounds of bidding the job to subcontractors, and a round of design changes to lower costs, bids are still much higher than we anticipated.
– The new cost of our building – including contingency costs – is $2.1 million.
– KTC has raised $1.3 million to date. And, even with a $200,000 loan from a local bank to help out, we are approximately $621,000 short of our construction goal.
All of this is the jumping off point for our Sangha Meeting and discussion. We will be looking for your input and ideas about next steps. Should we continue the project? Should we choose a different path? What’s the best way for KTC to find its new home?
Looking forward to hearing your thoughts and ideas. Meanwhile, please keep the prayers coming, and donate to the cause as you are able. We’re notifying Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche about the news, and will let you know about any advice he has to share.
During a recent conversation, Khenpo Rinpoche said that harmony in the sangha was most important as we work toward a new home, so we are taking that as our watchword going forward.
With great appreciation for your part in our shared journey,
KTC Board
