Alexandria voters to decide on renovations for arena

Nov. 1—ALEXANDRIA — Alexandria voters will not only be deciding on who they want as the next president of the United States as they fill out their ballots, but also two propositions that could result in renovations for a "sportsplex" at Alexandria Arena.

There will be three total propositions on the Alexandria ballots, a statewide proposition dubbed the Equal Rights Amendment, another gauging interest in the arena project, and then the vote specifically asking if the town can borrow up to $9 million for the renovations.

The building, located across the street from the school, is 56 years old, with its original bathrooms and locker rooms. The renovations would make both areas bigger and more accessible.

Town Supervisor Brent Sweet said that 26 different groups use the facility, a number they are hoping to increase with the renovations by possibly adding shows, concerts, exhibitions, etc.

Sweet said the renovations are needed because of how old the building and its contents are.

"It's hard to attract people and groups here with the facility that we have now," he said.

The building would be renovated — not torn down — because of some of the new additions the town has done to the building, such as new equipment in the compression room, new piping, new tubing and a new concrete floor.

Sweet says the town will be able to use some of the money it made from selling the old Bonnie Castle Recreation Center to renovate the arena.

Any potential tax implications are not yet known, as Sweet said the town has applied for grants and loans for the project. He also said they are looking to minimize tax consequences.

The total cost of the project would be about $13 million, according to Sweet.

He said the reasoning for the different propositions is to also gauge general interest in the renovations while the other proposition with the exact dollar amount would give the town permission to take out the loan.

Three years ago, turf was added to the arena, something that added revenue streams, Sweet said. He said the renovations would increase money coming into the arena as well.

The arena is currently able to be used, and a large percentage of it would be able to be used during construction.

The project could go to bid next spring.