Funding the Project:
The War Memorial Restoration Project (WMRP) will require an enormous commitment of financial resources over a number of years, and the primary sources of assistance will be from Federal, State and local funding mechanisms. In addition, an aggressive effort will be made to identify and pursue other public or private funding sources such as grants from various Foundations and out-right gifts or donations from individuals or organizations supportive of this Restoration Project. The requirement to raise money and secure funding is the greatest challenge to the success of this Project and will be the primary focus of concern for this Steering Committee and each individual Committee member.
The initial phase of this Project requires that the War Memorial Building be brought into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and the focus is primarily upon the construction of an elevator and handicap access bathrooms. However, any substantial changes to the Building requires that the other unrelated parts be brought up to current Building Code standards, i.e., electrical, plumbing, fire-prevention, etc. which dramatically increases the cost of the total Project. Fortunately, City Officials have earmarked and set aside a percentage of the Federal Community Block Grant funds for ADA access compliance only at the War Memorial Building. In order to utilize the grant money and activate this Project approximately $100,000.00 in architectural fees had to be addressed. Attorney Kenneth Feinberg authorized the Feinberg Foundation to assume responsibility for the architectural design fees.
Attorney Kenneth R. Feinberg
Kenneth Feinberg, a proud and distinguished Brocktonian, who completed a unique and historic service for our great nation by serving as the Special Master appointed to organize, administer and execute the details of the September 11th Victims' Compensation Fund. This enormous undertaking came to a very successful conclusion at the end of June 2004 with approximately ninety-eight percent of the claimants having agreed to participate in the government-sponsored program. Ken Feinberg's pro-bono efforts on our behalf were recognized in Brockton by a full-day of celebration in his honor, Feinberg Appreciation Day, June 17, 2005.
WAR MEMORIAL RESTORATION PROJECT
Subsequently, the Feinberg Foundation, established to honor Attorney
Feinberg's efforts, made a commitment to support the Brockton War Memorial Restoration Project, including the Performing Arts Center, and the Brockton Symphony Orchestra and various other qualified cultural and civic organizations in the greater Brockton area. Ken Feinberg is pursuing his goal to fulfill his commitment to raise $250,000.00 for the War Memorial Restoration Fund by authorizing the Feinberg Foundation to assume responsibility for the architectural plans associated with the Restoration Project. In addition, Mr. Feinberg has accepted the position of Honorary Chairman of the Steering Committee and will actively assist in the Project.
BARN-RAISING
This War Memorial Restoration Project should be approached as if it was an Old Fashion-Barn Raising where the whole community helped to get the job done. Brockton has recently seen the successful completion of several similar community-wide fund raising campaigning i.e. The Brockton Boy's and Girl's Club and the Brockton Public Library. It will be incumbent upon everyone touched by this Project to become advocates urging others to participate. We need the Mayor, City Council, Veterans groups, Supporters of the Symphony, Community cultural groups, service organizations, social and professional groups, businesses, families, individuals just about everyone to work for the success of this Project.