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Master Plan

 

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What Is A Master Plan?

A master plan is an architectural footprint that tells you how the complex would look like when the complete development of a campus or complex is done. The master plan gives us a direct visualization of the space planning. This is a futuristic plan of any organization. Obviously, the organizational vision is reflected through the master plan. The general industry practice is that typically a master plan is good for 10-15 years. By then usually a lot of things change and people need to take another look to see if the master plan is good for another 10-15 years or not. Hence the master plan is somewhat fluid in nature.

Did We Have A Master Plan And If Yes Why Are We Revising Again?

We understand that a master plan was developed several years back and that has been the basis of existing temple, auditorium, the kitchen pavilion building, car park, soccer field etc. The current EB decided to review the same and revise the master plan if required so that no unplanned development or construction takes place in the complex 		So What Is the Current Status on the Master Plan?

The current EB facilitated the process of reviewing/ revising the master plan. Ray and Hollington Architects (RHA), an external reputed professional architectural firm, was appointed to carry out this work on behalf of us. The facility committee called numerous meetings with several user groups and based on their inputs, a design criteria has been developed. The input givers in those user groups ranges from general members to council of trustees. RHA came up with multiple options for the master plan and there finally a plan was chosen by the Facility Committee. The plan was presented to EB and has been approved by EB.  We have presented the master plan to the Council of Trustees and they are currently reviewing it. We have also updated General Body during fund raising and major puja events. The plan has been displayed over one year in the auditorium foyer, and also on the HDBS website and it has been communicated to people in every possible way. This master plan has not been developed by EB. This is people’s plan and people have provided input. EB has only facilitated the process. 		Is The Temple Being Demolished?

NO. Some people are spreading these false rumors to shape public opinion for some political gain. And we would request all of you to verify the facts directly rather than listening to any such rumors. Please call Mr. Bisuddha Datta for technical details. One of the many items being proposed in the master plan is the requirement to create an atrium space before the main temple and some space planning to handle minor deficiencies. During master plan development process the temple user group requested for additional space in the temple for fruits and flowers organizing area, improve the condition of the kitchen behind the deities, create additional auxiliary spaces where people could simply sit down and meditate. We could also use expanded corners of those extensions as spaces for other statues that relates to our religion. Build a separate shoe closet (not attached to the temple). The proposed modification would help us to hold more people inside and around the temple. Our temple is in quite good shape to take some minor remodel or face lift to remedy some of the issues that the users have raised. The master plan simply showed the most efficient footprint that can handle these deficiencies without demolition of what we have and with minimum interruption of daily temple activities. The master plan has no details suggesting any destruction. The degree of remodel for this will be less than what has been done twice in the past to get to the current state. This could be achieved by moving the 4 walls with the windows or simply by making the windows larger like full view. Simply said, we have not gotten to that detail stage yet and will come back to the members when we do. Most importantly, we know how hard it is to earn and raise money, and have no reason or motive to waste our own money on unnecessary upgrades. We all must remember that we all have invested in this together and no EB whether us or another team should waste any single dollar on carrying out any unneeded improvements.
What Is the Status of the Educational Building and the Priest Quarter?

These two projects are under construction and we are making good progress we have been delayed by couple of weeks at the beginning due to certain permits and approval. The facility team is working very hard to complete these two constructions before Durga Puja. We need your support and blessings to do that. We request you to visit the Priest Quarter and the Educational building next time you visit Durga Bari, but please be careful as the construction is going on. We all along with our beloved priest and his family is very excited about their new house and we all take pride in that. 		Various User Groups and People Provided Inputs in the Master Plan Development Process and What Really Came Out of the Input From People and How Are You Addressing that In the Master Plan?

  • Priest Quarter came out as a top priority and it is under construction now.
  •  The requirement of Educational Building came out as next high priority item and it is under construction now. 
  • The temple requires some upgrade and it is being addressed in the master plan. 
  • The community showed interest in a proper auditorium (Banquet style) for capacity of at least 800 people and this is being addressed in the master plan. Just imagine, all the weddings that can be hosted in the banquet hall. 
  • A future kitchen will be required to support the new banquet center and this is being addressed also. This will be built next to the future auditorium. (The current kicthen building attached to the pavilion building shall be used for next several years as long as it survives. This building is not in a good shape). 
  • Many members gave input for a future recreation/sports facility indoor or outdoor and this is addressed in the master plan. 
  • Several other items such as, walkways connecting different buildings, a large garden, a open patio/pavilion etc. have been identified and addressed in the master plan also. 
  • The master plan also addresses the functional changes of the existing auditorium, which will include a dedicated space for our members to gather on Sunday after Pujas without being interrupted by rentals.
Has There Been Any Priority Determined For Future Projects/ Expansion?

No. Future EB would determine their priorities.

What is the Current EB Going to Do With This Master Plan during This Tenure?

Approve it and keep it for future use. The current EB will finish their tenure at the end of the year and has no plan to take up any other capital project during the current tenure. Our goal is to be simply be a responsible EB by securing the future development of Durga Bari with your support and blessings.