Englewood Residents Urge Council to Move Forward with Ice Rink Restorations

By Megan Merrigan

Englewood residents urged the city council Tuesday night to begin restorations to the 34-year-old John T. Wright Ice Arena, which has remained shuttered for more than a year after storm damages tore apart the roof.

The council voted against a bond ordinance in February, which would have allotted $674,350 to improve the arena. Now, months later, several council members and residents feel the city cannot delay the restorations any longer.

“It is disappointing to me that I find myself here tonight,” Renard Wright, the son of the city’s first black councilman whom the arena is named after, said. “It is a part of your legacy just as it is a part of mine.”

The council debated the fate of the arena for over an hour, but remained divided in terms of what restorations should be made and how much money should be spent.

“Every day we don’t do it the rink gets worse and worse because it’s exposed,” said Ward 2 Councilman Michael Cohen.

In addition to acting sooner than later to stave off continuing deterioration of the arena, the council must have plans underway by April 1 if they wish to receive the FEMA money from Sandy, according to City Manager Tim Dacey.

Councilman Eugene Skurnick, who along with Ward 4 Councilman Wayne Hamer defeated repairs to the arena with a “no” vote in February along with, joined Cohen in lobbying for a quick restoration. 

However, Mayor Frank Huttle asked the council to refrain from acting hastily until the citizen task force he commissioned provided its suggestions. He felt coming to any conclusions at Tuesday night’s meeting would violate transparency.

“I would ask that we please have our legal advisors and our bond attorney prepare an ordinance properly with the proper schedule so we know how much money we’re spending and that we’re doing it the right way,” Councilwoman Lynne Algrant said, agreeing with Huttle.

Dacey predicts the the project will cost around $1.65 million.  The bulk of that price will be covered by insurance and FEMA funds, which will pay to restore any damage caused by Sandy. This includes a new roof, steel framing and outdoor netting.

Huttle wants to do far more than just make the arena operational; he wants it to “shine,” which would cost the town an approximate $130,000 in bathroom renovations, new bleachers, a snack bar and other amenities.

Many residents do not share the same desire for luster as the mayor; they just want a place for their kids to either skate or simply get off of the street.

“What I want for myself is simply a place where I can bring my kids to skate,” said resident Eric Fromen, adding that new bathrooms and bleachers don't matter.

For some residents, a place for kids to skate is not enough. They feel the community would be better served if the arena was renovated into a year-round facility, which has something to offer all members of the community, not just those who skate.

Use of the arena has roused tension among Ward 4 residents, many of whom maintain an ice rink offers little to the largely-minority district.

The task force suggested utilizing the renovated arena for town-wide garage sales, city fairs and theater use in order to make it a facility the entire community can enjoy. Specific recreation options have not yet been offered.

In the midst of differing opinions much debate, the council agreed it was time to move on and arrive at a decision.

Dacey told the council he will create an ordinance and present it as soon as possible.