Huge amounts of snow and ice have inconvenienced Fairfielders all winter. But the cold and the snow might also affect the summer season in Fairfield as well. James Gallagher, chair of the Penfield Pavilion Building Committee, told his board that the winters troubles pushed back construction on the renovation project. Summer visitors might have to wait for some of the beachs features, he said.
Penfield Beach will be open no matter what happens with the pavilion. There wont be any safety issues, said Public Works Director Richard White. The work will be inside by then. But some of the amenities housed in the pavilion, such as bathrooms and lockers, might not be ready by Memorial Day.
The Representative Town Meeting approved the $3.3 million renovation of the Penfield Pavilion in September. The project will revamp the spots snack stand, restrooms, picnic area and banquet hall. The Public Works Department was due to finish laying the foundation by the end of December. Then, construction crews from A. Secondino & Son Inc. were due to finish the rest of the renovations by July 1.
But White said the project is already six weeks behind schedule. Snow stalled the building process because larger storms require all of the Public Works Departments crews to focus on snow removal. The concrete also needs seven days at temperatures above 32 degrees to set properly. Public works crews had to cover the foundation with heated tents to finish the job.
White said that when Secondino & Son takes over, he will set new priorities for the project. The restrooms, snack shop, lifeguard stand and other everyday beach amenities will go up first. Once regular beachgoers needs are met, then construction crews will finish work on the banquet hall.
Our goal is to complete as much as we can by July 1, White said. Well have to see if the weather cooperates from here on in.
Are you looking forward to seeing the new Penfield Pavilion? Will you still go to the beach while the pavilion is still under construction? Sound off in the comments below.
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