Church Improvement Project FAQ
Phase 1 - Lewelling Blvd. Widening Project
1.) When will Lewelling Widening project be done? 2.) What construction is going to be done at St. Johns?
3.) When will construction on St. Johns begin and end?
4.) Do we have any say in the type of trees that are going to be planted by County; and does our landscaping/tree planting have to conform to same type.
6.) How many entrances will there be?
7.) How much is the St. Johns construction going to cost?
8.) Where will the money come?
9.) If the county is taking land from us, do we get paid for that?
Phase 1 - Plan Update - Sept. 2010
1.) Will the Diocese review the plans? 2.) What is the status of the review by the Diocese?
3.) What arrangements have been made, when work starts and during construction for Mass, Fall festival, Sports-CYO, School, Weddings, Funerals, Other needs.
4.) What arrangements have been made for parking during the construction period on the parking lot? Where will the parking be moved too?
6.)
7.) When will the work start?
8.) Why are we doing so much to the parking lot-can’t we just repave, re-stripe and be done with it?
9.) When will the construction start on Saint John’s property?
Funding
1.) How long will it take to raise the money? 2.) How much is the cost just to do the parking lot?
3.) What are the other needs and their cost?
4.) How can we help with the raising the money?
6.) What if we don’t raise the full amount?
7.) Will you mail reminders for pledges made?
8.) Will the Diocese lend a hand with money?
9.) Can I just contribute to one certain Phase; how do I know my money is going just to that phase?
Phase 1 - Lewelling Blvd. Widening Project
1. When will Lewelling Widening project be done?
The county schedule is to complete all work in 12-15 months. Since the start last March 2010 it is estimated to be completed in 18 months. The county controls the project schedule.
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2. What construction is going to be done at St. Johns?
The plans for St. John's will be in phases. Phase 1 coincides with the Alameda County Lewelling Blvd widening and involves new fencing and gates around the church property, improvements to the parking lot and the areas immediately around the church affected by the widening. Phase 2 is for Retrofit and improvement of the church building or sanctuary. Phase 3 is the remodel of meeting rooms in the gym. For a detailed description of all the phases please see the parish website.
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3. When will construction on St. Johns begin and end?
The phases of the project will be scheduled as soon as funding sources are determined.
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4. Do we have any say in the type of trees that are going to be planted by County; and does our landscaping/tree planting have to conform to same type.
The church has no voice in the planting in the sidewalk or median. All landscaping behind the sidewalk is at the discretion of the church, but requires county planning department approval.
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5. How many entrances will there be?
There will be 3 entrances that allow entry and exit and one exit behind the convent.
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6. How much is the St. Johns construction going to cost?
The total cost will depend on the final approved designs. Using preliminary plans and if all Phases of the construction project are implemented the total estimated cost is $ 2,965,000. Phase 1 show estimated cost of $870,000. Phase 2 (Church seismic improvement and Sanctuary improvements), $1,580,000. Phase 3 (Gym meeting rooms), $515,000.
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7. Where will the money come from?
The compensation from the county for the Lewelling Blvd project is the initial funding for the project. However, this will not cover the cost even of Phase 1. Most of the funding will come from a fund raising campaign. The parish will also be seeking other sources for grants if there are any available.
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8. If the county is taking land from us, do we get paid for that?
The county has compensated St Johns for property lost to the widening and property used temporarily during the construction of Lewelling Blvd.
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Phase 1 - Plan Update - Sept. 2010
1. Will the Diocese review the plans?
We are convinced with your help to raise the necessary funds from your pledges, donations, financial gifts and grants from outside donors within the next 12 months.
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2. How much is the cost just to do the parking lot?
The plans are in its final stage for submission to the County of Alameda for approval.
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3. What arrangements have been made, when work starts and during construction for Mass, Fall festival, Sports-CYO, School, Weddings, Funerals, Other needs?
Scheduling for the above events during construction can only be addressed once we get the approval from the Alameda County planning dept and required permits are issued. The time frame then will be controlled by how well we are in raising the necessary funds at that time we will start obtaining bids from contractors. The work under consideration at the present most likely can’t be done piece meal.
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4. What arrangements have been made for parking during the construction period on the parking lot? Where will the parking be moved too?
This will need to be carefully looked at. We have time and need to work it out with Alameda County planning dept if need be.
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5. How long will it take to complete the parking lot - winter is around the corner?
Work cannot start until we get approval from the Alameda County planning dept, and then raise the necessary funds. At that time we get affordable bids that fall within our budget we start the work, most likely 6 to 12 months from now. But we are hoping we can start sooner with your financial assistance.
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6. When will the work start?
Same as the above.
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7. Why are we doing so much to the parking lot-can’t we just repave, re-stripe and be done with it?
No, we met with several staff members from the County. In December 2009, new state regulations were required, drainage to meet East Bay Water clean bill, disposal of water, oil run off from cars parked. This requires grading, install underground trench to the street and connection with the county piping. The regulations also require we must make available space for turnaround for fire, police and ambulance vehicles.
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8. When will the construction start on Saint John’s property?
There are several steps after the county finishes their work in front. We must first remove and relocate the sign in front and take down the front stairs. Then the next work can not start until funds are raised to pay for the balance of the required work.
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Funding
1. How long will it take to raise the money?
We are convinced with your help to raise the necessary funds from your pledges, donations, financial gifts and grants from outside donors within the next 12 months.
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2. How much is the cost just to do the parking lot?
We will identify the necessary dollars when the Alameda county planning dept. approves the plan. Then we will have a better idea of what has to be done and we will be able to go out for bids. At the present time the estimated by the Architect is in the range of $800,000.
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3. What are the other needs and their cost?
moving the sign in front has to be done before sidewalks are installed, then fencing, the gathering area, re-striping the parking lot, water, drainage, electrical needs, front stairs and landscaping.
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4. How can we help with the raising the money?
Ask for help from community by spreading the word thru volunteers.
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5. What if we don’t raise the full amount?
We are positive with your support and prayers we can.
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6. Will you mail reminders for pledges made?
We have been exploring this at the present time. We do not have the staffing in the parish office unless we have more volunteers. The estimate cost to the parish might be such that we would do a quarterly notice.
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7. Will the Diocese lend a hand with money?
We have been advised that the Diocese at the present time doesn’t have funds. We need to look elsewhere - such as grants.
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8. Can I just contribute to one certain Phase; how do I know my money is going just to that phase?
You can indicate where you want your contribution to go for.
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