Worth saving?
Residents aim to keep aging Unity hall
By Ben Schultz
About 20 residents of Unity showed up at the Friday village board meeting to make their case to maintain Unity Memorial Hall.
“We have to start now. I think the general consensus is that people want to save the hall,” Sue Hubing said.
A petition at Rummage for a Reason asking residents for their support of the hall received about 200 signatures. Hubing sees that as a beginning of a campaign that could renovate the problem-plagued building.
“It’s time to start doing something about it,” she said.
The hall is more than 60 years old and is showing its age. The roof leaks, the floor is warped, office space is cramped, lights go dim and there are electrical issues.
Residents said the village should take pride in the old structure and try to maintain it, possibly designating it as a historical site. That option would be very difficult because of the amount of renovating that has changed its appearance and structure. The hall would actually have to be changed back to its original composition to use any funds for historical designation.
Another option, renovating the existing structure without historical designation, would also take a lot of effort and money. Board member Kim O’Leary pointed out the hall needs more than quick fixes to make it last. There might be minor projects on it, but there are plenty of them.
“When you put it all together, it’s not minor anymore,” she said.
Residents asked the board to approve the creation of a citizen participation committee for Memorial Hall, which was approved. Village clerk Tracy Kohl, O’Leary, Bob Thieme of the Department of Public Works, Hubing and others will be on it. Their first meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. May 22 at Memorial Hall.
While some board members see the hall as too big for the village’s needs, residents see it as the gathering place for the community.
“What does Unity have besides this?” Marie Kauffman asked.
Residents also asked the board to produce numbers for costs of repairs. While they weren’t immediately available, Kohl said they would be readily provided at the next board meeting. She also emphasized the group would have to maintain its commitment if it wants to be successful.
“This is years down the road. The drive has to stay,” Kohl said.
Clem Stephanek, an engineer with MSA, said the village should evaluate the entire structure first to figure out what all needs to be done and how much it will cost. He cautioned the building will have to comply with new codes that have been put in place since its construction. Also, fixing it should be a complete task, not just temporary fixes.
“Don’t just put a band-aid on the building,” he said.

Other business

• The board had a third reading of the proposed mobile home ordinance. It will be official upon publication.
• The board renewed its contract with Bay Towel.