On behalf of the Board of Fort Wayne Bhajan Society (FWBS), we want to convey encouraging news about Samskruti - Dr. Manubhai Patel Community Center.
For a brief time frame, there was a lull in activities as we struggled to capture the imagination of the professionals to engage with us. Based on the amount of money on hand, our project is on a tight budget. As we continue to engage the professionals to develop the center under various constraints, the Board made a fundamental decision that the Society should not be weighed down by a bank loan or carry a mortgage.
Given that background, the following tasks have been accomplished in our quest to establish the Community Center:
- (i) Our community has thus far generously donated to the tune of $1.838 million (see the enclosed bank statement showing the net balance) as well as commitment from a small group of donors to provide some financial support for maintenance;
- (ii) Out of the funds collected, the Board decided to earmark $500,000 as endowment fund that would be invested risk-free, and the financial returns would be expected to partially support the future operation of the center;
- (iii) Out of the remaining funds, $350,000 was used to purchase an 18.75-acre parcel on East Till Road;
- (iv) An Architectural Firm, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing and Fire Alarm Engineers are engaged to develop an initial design based on the inputs from the Architectural Committee and community (see the enclosed designs), which in turn, was used to develop a set of complete prints for the building and the interior; and
- (v) Brooks Construction Company was identified to provide civil engineering services based on competing bids. Brooks’ bid was $8,000 lower than the next competing bid. The Civil Engineers will work with the Architectural Committee on the exterior features such as Parking Lot, Driveways, Sewer/Water Connections, Landscaping, Retention Ponds, and Building Placement. Brooks also indicated that we might get a 5% discount on parking, driveway and walkway construction if they would get the service contract.
As next steps:
- (a) After Civil Engineers complete the civil plans, the Architectural committee will review for a period of 7-10 days the civil plans. The Fort Wayne Bhajan Society Board will review the plans to discuss and possible approval. Once the Board of directors approves the civil plans, the plans will be reviewed by Allen County and the City of Fort Wayne;
- (b) After the County and City of Fort Wayne approve, then FWBS will combine the Building Plans and Civil Plans and submit to the State of Indiana Building and Fire Safety Department for approval;
- (c) Once the State of Indiana approves the Plans, FWBS will then engage in efforts to obtain competitive bids for the construction and development from various construction companies;
- (d) Once bids are obtained the Board of Directors shall review, discuss and approve one of the bids; and
- (e) We expect these steps to take about three to four months or more depending on the time taken by various permitting governmental agencies.
We intend to provide quarterly updates to the community as we make progress. As always, we appreciate your continued participation, support and patience as well as welcome any financial support that you could provide.
Please feel free to reach out to any of the board members for additional information.
Hari Om!
Best,
Fort Wayne Bhajan Society
