If everything goes according to plan, changes may be coming to New Canaan High Schools grounds. At its meeting Monday night, the Board of Education voted to approve the final construction drawings for new offices for the district's Transportation Department near the schools main building. Once the drawings are completed, the school district will start the bidding process.
The building will be located near the generator and cooling tower on the schools north side. The 1,750-square-foot structure will house offices for the managers who oversee the districts school bus services.
Town Engineer Michael Pastore said the building is currently projected to go over budget. The total cost estimate is about $220,000. The budget, largely made up of a grant from the state Department of Economic and Community Development, is only $150,000. Although site and utilities costs are expected to be well below the $50,000 allotted, Pastore estimates the entire project will cost $50,000 more than is budgeted.
Still, he stressed that these are estimates, and that in building projects you generally want an estimate on the high side. Lower estimates, he said, could cause problems down the road. Despite the budget concerns, he asked the school board to get the project moving. If we dont move forward, Pastore said, we dont go anywhere.
Board of Education chair Nicholas Williams stressed that this is not the final approval for the buildings plans. Once the drawings and bids are in place, the Board of Education, will hear public comments and vote for final approval. The motion will also have to clear the Board of Selectmen, Board of Finance, Town Council, Planning and Zoning Commission and STEAP. Pastore plans to take the proposal to those groups starting next week and through the summer.
Click here to follow Daily Voice and receive free news updates.
