A Resolution to Move Out of 815

A proposed resolution for General Convention 2012 (see blog post Here for explanation):

Resolved, the House of _____________ concurring, that this Convention supports moving the Church Center headquarters away from the Church Center building at 815 2^nd Ave., New York City, as soon as it makes economic sense to do so; and be it further

Resolved, that Executive Council be directed to appoint a Task Force on Real Property including knowledgeable real estate and finance experts, working in cooperation with the Cushman & Wakefield study that is already in process, to explore alternatives and make recommendations for the most effective economic way of selling, leasing, or otherwise disposing of the Church Center building at 815 2^nd Ave, New York City; and be it further

Resolved, that the Task Force on Real Property make its report to Executive Council by February 2013; and be it further

Resolved, that Executive Council proceed with all appropriate speed to place the building at 815 2^nd Ave., New York City, on the market for sale, lease, or other disposal, in accordance with the Task Force Recommendations, as soon as it makes economic sense to do so; and be it further

Resolved, that Executive Council appoint a separate Task Force on Church Center Location to identify other suitable alternatives for locating the Church Center, giving special attention to available properties owned by Episcopal-affiliated entities, locations close to large airports, ease of travel, cost of living for Church Center employees, and cost of acquiring or leasing the properties; and be it further

Resolved, that the Task Force on Church Center Location make its report to Executive Council by February 2013; and be it further

Resolved, that Executive Council be prepared to relocate the Church Center headquarters to the new location or locations as soon as it is economically feasible.

Explanation

The Church Center building in New York City is too large and too expensive for the church’s needs, and wiser, more economic alternatives are available.  The Church needs to move away from a hierarchical-model corporate headquarters in Manhattan, toward a less expensive Church Center that is more accessible to a broad spectrum of Episcopalians.