Last Updated on June 12, 2025
Report to the Community Regarding CapEx2026 Proposals
June 2025
Art Johnson Chair, Residents’ Council Finance Committee
This report summarizes the process used to generate CapEx26 proposals and the results of that process. The following proposals will be considered for funding along with many other proposals as part of Charlestown’s 2026 budgetary process. There is no guarantee that any of these proposals will be funded. Nor does the Finance Committee’s ranking of proposals obligate Charlestown management or its Board of Directors to accept the committee’s recommendations or ranking of proposals.
The process used to generate these proposals required all proposals be submitted to or generated by a Resident Council committee. Those committees reviewed and recommended proposals to the Finance Committee. The Finance Committee reviewed, approved or rejected proposals received, and ranked those that were approved. (See entries under “Forms” on MyErickson for a complete description of the process.).
Proposals ranked 1-3 (Tier 1) have the committee’s highest endorsement. They will impact the most residents; address the need for technological improvement of our infrastructure enhancing overall communications and resident satisfaction; and improve the safety of residents. While they offer the highest coverage of residents in general, these proposals will be the costliest of all the proposals. Proposals 4-7 (Tier 2) received the committee’s next highest endorsement. These proposals, also address issues of safety but will impact fewer residents than proposals 1-3. Proposals 8-10 (Tier 3) primarily address the creation of a more pleasing environment for certain residents and visitors.
The Finance Committee submitted the following proposals.
Rank #1: Title of Project: Mobile Phone Renovation (Independent Living)
Problem: Currently our mobile phone system (Cellular Phones) is failing due to outdated technology, and it is now a major point of failure in our community. This is a critical issue, which should not wait for another year. There are many parts of the Charlestown campus where mobile services are not available to those with service providers other than Verizon. Charlestown needs more than one provider and with new mobile phone equipment, this can be achieved now.
Proposed Resolution & Cost: Replace the current Verizon repeater system (2009) with a Passive Distributed Antenna System (DAS), which would provide multiple carrier service to the community. Cost could range from $10,000 to $100,000 per building.
Rank #2 Title of Project: NetworkA network consists of two or more computers that are linked in order to share resources (such as printers and CDs), exchange files, or allow electronic communications. The computers on a network may be linked through cables, telephone lines, radio waves, satellites, or infrared light beams. See also... READ MORE Infrastructure Renovation
Problem: In today’s connected world, reliable network infrastructure is more critical than ever, requiring seamless connectivity without unnecessary complexity.
Charlestown’s community network infrastructure is well over 11 years old and is outdated. Many locations on the Charlestown campus currently lack strong wi-fi and cellular services. NetworkA network consists of two or more computers that are linked in order to share resources (such as printers and CDs), exchange files, or allow electronic communications. The computers on a network may be linked through cables, telephone lines, radio waves, satellites, or infrared light beams. See also... READ MORE design should prioritize reliability for independent living residents who use it for medical devices, personal safety systems, and resident communication tools (e.g. voice assistants & video calling).
Proposed Resolution & Cost: Deploy fiber-and power-deep infrastructure that includes gigabit passive optical networks (GPONs). Per Jay Romero, vice president of Enterprise Architecture & IT Operations at Erickson Living and Mike Watts, vice president of Noovis LLC, estimated Cost of Project is $50,000 or more for a typical facility, with larger, more complex upgrades potentially $100,000 or higher.
Rank #3 Auditorium Renovation
Problem: The Charlestown Auditorium is a much used, constantly in demand facility that supports a large number of entertainment events, ELLIC programs, training sessions, and meetings. The facility has become very outdated in terms of its lighting, sound, stage seating, poor acoustics (an issue for the hearing impaired), and accessibility. The current lighting and sound systems are deficient and have recurring problems. The Auditorium also needs to provide live broadcasting capability with viewing of important meetings by the community, particularly for those with mobility problems.
Proposed Resolution & Cost: Live connection capability needs to be installed between the auditorium and the TV studio with the most recent, available equipment. The seats in the auditorium should be upgraded and a hearing loop put in the floor to assist those with hearing impairments. Damage to the sound barriers and walls backstage should be repaired. There are limited spaces available for EMV’s and wheelchairs which are increasing in number. Also, space must be designated for parking an increasing number of rollators. The estimated cost of the project is $700,000 – $1,000,000.
Tier 2
Rank #4 Improved Accessibility for Handicapped Users of Charlestown Public Restrooms
Problem: Residents using rollators and EMVs have a number of problems using most of the public restrooms due to the height of toilet seats and inaccessibility of faucets, soap dispensers, and paper towels.
Proposed Resolution & Cost: Install toilet seat lifts and door springs on the handicapped stalls. Install wider doors on the handicapped stalls. Install low level paper towel dispensers and soap dispenser, install a long-handled faucet lever on at least one sink, and raise the height of the toilet seats, using the same devices that are currently used in the apartments. Estimated cost is $35,000-60,000, depending on amount of work already completed, if any.
Rank #5 Sidewalk Railing by Edgewood Parking Lot
Problem: The sidewalk outside the Edgewood door is steeper than it appears and tilts to the left when viewed from the parking lot. Even when the sidewalk is cleared, it remains difficult to walk on due to the slant, and ice can easily form from melting snow.
Proposed Resolution & Cost: Install a railing along the right edge of the sidewalk before reaching the level section of the sidewalk. $3,000
Rank #6: Supplemental Funding Request for Charlestown Lake Trail Project
Problem: It is believed that the Charlestown Lake Trail project will cost substantially more than the approved 2025 CapEx amount of $155,000. It is our understanding that these funds will be carried over into the 2026 CapEx budget. The Lake Trail is a rocky, uneven, and muddy path around the lake limiting accessibility for many of our residents.
Proposed Resolution & Cost : Request a supplemental amount of $100,000 to be approved in the 2026 CapEx budget. This will include the additional funds needed to update or re-do plans for this project that were prepared in 2019.
Rank #7: Anchoring and leveling of campus outside sitting benches
Problem: Several of the campus sitting benches along Erickson Way, and the Inner and Lake Loops need leveling and stabilization. They lean in all different directions – front to back and side to side. They are difficult to sit on and make the aesthetics of our community look old.
Proposed Resolution & Cost: Recently a few of these benches were leveled and are now anchored on solid cement platforms. Request that all benches be placed on standardized platforms and leveled. It is suggested that some of the benches may not be needed and/or be moved to more appropriate locations. Resident input would be appropriate. Estimated cost is $2,000 – $3,000 per bench. It is estimated 12-14 benches need this work, totaling an estimated $28,000-$42,000.
Tier 3
Rank #8: Holiday Lights
Problem: There is dissatisfaction (as reflected in the Holloran Survey results) with our holiday decorations and their narrow scope. The perception that resident input has been ignored intensifies this dissatisfaction.
Proposed Resolution & Cost: Establish a small working group of residents and General Services staff to develop a multi-year plan to coordinate the purchase and installation of a broader scope of large-scale holiday decorations. $200,000 phased in over several years
Rank #9: Cross Creek/Brookside Landscape Re-Design
Problem: The belief that the existing Cross Creek and Brookside entrances are unappealing to residents and visitors.
Proposed Resolution & Cost: Redesign the Cross Creek and Brookside entrances including removal of end of life landscaping and replace with aesthetically pleasing and sustainable trees, shrubs and other plantings at an estimated cost of $45,000.
Rank #10: Screening the Transportation Knoll
Problem: The Transportation Knoll subjects residents on the east side of Herbert’s run to a large area resembling a commercial site and a constant flow of busses, trucks, and waste removal vehicles along with additional noise created by garbage/trash compactors.
Proposed Resolution & Cost: Planting 6-8 foot evergreen trees (such as Emerald Green Arborvitaes) spaced 3 feet apart in front of the existing fence on the East Side of Herbert’s Run would provide necessary screening and enhance the overall beauty of our campus. Estimated cost for a 300 foot fence of trees planted 3 feet apart would be 100 trees @$160.00 each for a total cost of $16,000.