In a few weeks, the 750 members of Vienna Woods Swim and Tennis Club are expected to decide whether the pool should build a new bath house, renovate the current bath house or do nothing at all.
The bath house, which was built in the 1950s, is projected to last another five to 10 years. But the club’s board of directors is looking at improving the building for two main reasons: construction costs are down and the pool is financially stable.
Some members of club, however, along with some members of the board, oppose any improvements to the bath house. A recent newsletter sent out to club members stated that the project, with an estimated price tag between $418,223 and $804,590, would be funded by club members. To pay for the improvements, a yearly assessment of $135 to $258, depending on project cost, would be levied on club stockholders over the next five years. The assessment would be in addition to member dues, which are currently $290 per year.
The newsletter admitted that some members may leave because of the increased assessment. But it also stated that 295 families are on the waiting list to buy into the pool.
"This situation should remain the next five years while the loan is paid off," the letter said. "Should some stockholders elect to sell their shares rather than be assessed, the pool will benefit by bringing in new, younger members to fuel the swim team and tennis program."
LAURIE FORBES, a member of the pool, was concerned by this section of the letter. It seemed to her that the pool board was being disloyal to some of its members.
"This is a way of escorting the older, more established members out the door by putting the financial burden on them," Forbes said.
Board treasurer Jerry O’Shaughnessy said he was against the project. Even so, he said the board was not being disloyal to its current members by introducing the proposal. "Nobody wants anybody to leave."
On Saturday, April 27, at 4 p.m., pool stockholders will meet at the club to vote on the bath house issue.
"If enough people don’t want to do it, it won’t happen," O’Shaughnessy said.
O’Shaughnessy opposes the project mainly because of the high cost. He said there are some small problems with the bath house, such as leaks in the piping, but nothing major.
"The bath house is pretty solid," O’Shaughnessy said. "But the bath house is not the crown jewel of the club. The pool is the crown jewel. I don’t even use the bath house. I just walk through it."
But Mike Mucha, Vienna Woods Board member representing the dive team, pointed out that the bath house is closing in on 50 years of age. He said that the building is "falling into disrepair" with rusting on some of the steel support beams and stress cracks in the concrete ramp leading to the pool. The building will not need immediate attention for at least five years and may last another 10 years.
FOUR ALTERNATIVES are under consideration for the bath house. Two of those alternatives involve renovation of the bath house. One renovation plan is projected to cost $418,223 with an assessment increase of $135 per year. The other renovation plan is estimated at $480,396 with a yearly $154 assessment increase.
The other two alternatives involve replacement of the bath house with an entirely new building. One replacement option is estimated at $758,999, which would lead to a $244 assessment increase. The other is estimated at $804,590, with a $258 assessment increase.
The project estimates were made by R.A. Ponte Architects. If the club membership approves one of the construction options, the pool will accept bids from several construction companies.
"In my business I have had a lot of experience in construction," Mucha said. "There is some thinking the estimates are kind of high."
Mucha, who is in favor of replacing the bath house, said costs might come down after the pool accepts more construction bids. He also said there has been some discussion among board members of raising extra funds to offset the cost of construction.
"Some members with longtime affiliation with the pool might be willing to make significant donations," Mucha said.
He considers replacing the facility will be more cost effective in the long run.
"Renovations would buy us another 15 years with this bath house," Mucha said, "Whereas replacement would bring us another 50 years."
ANOTHER CONCERN with the current building is that it does not meet ADA requirements. The pool is not forced to bring the building into ADA compliance, but that could change at any time.
"Somebody would have to file a complaint," Mucha said.
Each of the four proposals would satisfy ADA requirements.
Although each pool stockholder can cast a vote at the April 27 meeting, stockholders are also able to send in proxy cards, designating one of the board members as a representative voter. Pool members can request extra proxy cards by calling the pool at 703-938-0005.
"Most of the membership vote by proxy," Forbes said. "Some may choose to continue. However, this has significant financial significance."