By Clark Mason
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT
The National Guard armory in Healdsburg is closer to becoming a recreation site for the city.
The Cold War-era building has been largely unused since the Guard stopped occupying it on a steady basis about 15 years ago.
But the state Assembly on Tuesday unanimously approved a bill by Assemblywoman Patty Berg, D-Eureka, to allow the city to lease the state property for up to 30 years and upgrade it for use as a community center.
Now the bill goes to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who is expected to sign it.
"The armory is within the city's reach," Berg said. "All we need now is the governor's signature."
Healdsburg officials on Wednesday said it is uncertain whether the city will try to remodel the armory or tear it down.
Berg's office said the building "has become a blight on the surrounding neighborhood."
Healdsburg wants to use the armory, or the site, to expand sports and recreation programs. Basketball, volleyball, Little League clinics and exercise classes could be held there, according to Community Services Director David Mickaelian.
"We need the gym space at a minimum for youth programs and senior programs," he said.
The 12,000-square-foot building off Powell Avenue next to Tayman Golf Course has been described as solid, but "hulking."
The site originally belonged to the city of Healdsburg, which in the late 1940s donated the two acres for construction of the armory.
The armory, built in the 1950s, was used for training and storage by the 579th engineering battalion for decades.
As it got less use as an armory in the 1990s, it was rented out for community events, from school dances to a pro wrestling match.
It's also been used as a shelter for victims of floods and fires, which would remain a possibility once the city leases it.
Berg's bill allows Healdsburg to circumvent restrictions that prohibit the lease of the state property for more than five years. The city still needs to negotiate the cost of the lease with the state.
The building is structurally sound, but has lead paint and asbestos problems, according to Mickaelian. The parking lot needs to be repaved, and improvements are necessary on the bathrooms, heating and air conditioning.
He said it will cost a minimum of $780,000 to rehabilitate the building. A new gymnasium with classrooms is estimated to cost a minimum of $3.5 million.
|