Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Executive Board Takes Next Steps in Determining Future of Talbot Hall Property

The Executive Board is moving forward to explore the future of the Talbot Hall property. In April 2011, the Talbot Hall Task Force - charged by Bishop Hollerith to receive and recommend proposals regarding the property - concluded its work and made its report to the diocesan Properties Committee. After reviewing that report, along with prior property assessments, the Properties Committee voted to recommend to the Executive Board the sale of the Talbot Hall property and the relocation of the diocesan offices to a more demographically central location. This recommendation was presented at the Executive Board's June 2011 meeting. In response, an ad hoc committee of the Board was then appointed to determine what further information was needed in order to move forward. The committee reported to the Executive Board at its September 2011 meeting. The following resolution was approved: "Be It Resolved that the Executive Board authorizes the Properties Committee to explore* the sale of Talbot Hall and to explore* the most feasible location for the Diocesan Office, continuing to respect the neighbors of Talbot Hall and the history of the property." In response to the resolution, the Executive Board established two new committees, a Property Sales Committee and a Location Committee, to gather further information. The committees will provide updates on their progress at the November 2011 Executive Board meeting. 

*Exploring the possible sale of the property will include inquiries into: cost effectiveness, cost comparisons, diocesan demographics, possible locations - including the present location at Talbot Hall, facility use requirements, input from various regions of the Diocese, and other data.