STAMFORD — On paper, it’s a unified system, one bullet-point on the monthly agenda of the Board of Education’s Operations Committee: “facilities update.”
In reality, the task of keeping the district’s 20 schools together and safely operating involves an array of custodial and trades workers, the city’s Engineering Department, and the private company contracted by the schools to manage the facilities.
And when things go wrong, it’s not always clear who’s responsible.
In his most recent report to the committee last Tuesday, Al Barbarotta, the CEO of AFB Construction Management, the firm that has managed the district’s buildings for 15 years, frequently spoke in the first-person plural.
“We waterproofed that building, we did the roof. We’ve got the media center totally ripped apart, painted all of the shelving, new circulation desk, new carpet, painted the walls,” he said of the work being done at Dolan Middle School.
Detailing the work that remains ongoing at Springdale Elementary, he said, “We repositioned the stock room, new carpet in the media center, counter renovation, extensive mice mitigation program ... we began the (bathrooms), we installed a new generator.”
“I don’t want to board to feel we were neglecting these schools,” Barbarotta said. “Engineering is working with us better than we’ve ever worked together.” CLICK TITLE TO CONTINUE
Stratford redevelopment raises questions
Two schools, both out of use, share the same address in Stratford. One inspires an emotional response, the other does not. The latter will be demolished, while the former, a historic building, will stand.
A number of residents profess to be confused.
Last month, the state was awarded funds to be put toward cleaning and razing a former school at 1000 East Broadway. The building that fronts on East Broadway was built in 1914, and today houses Board of Education offices. But it’s the newer Center School, which dates to 1965, that is to meet the wrecking ball. The plan for the site is mixed-use, transit-oriented development based around the nearby train station.
News that Stratford history might be leveled was met with an outcry. The confusion was abetted, residents say, from other events around town, including talk of a revived eminent domain statute and a plan to sell the sewage-treatment plant.
Officials say they’ve done what they can. “The town has involved the public at every step,” said Amy Knorr, town supervisor of economic development, citing hearings, steering committee meetings, site visits and public workshops about the transit-district planning.
Transit
Stratford’s plan to take better advantage of its transit assets is similar to many other local communities. Metro-North’s New Haven Line runs through the center of town, and local officials want to make it easier for people to live and work within walking distance of the station.
But town officials have stressed that buildings in the town’s Historic District will not be subject to redevelopment. “There are a number of areas near the train station that have been targeted as underutilized,” Knorr said, including the newer Center School. “The Historic District is not included. We’re not going to touch it.” CLICK TITLE TO CONTINUE
Lyman Hall track and field project underway
WALLINGFORD — Standing on the track at Lyman Hall High School Friday afternoon, Marc Deptula watched as contractors maneuvered around mounds of dirt and piles of asphalt in the infield.
“I was driving home (Thursday) and you should have seen it,” said Deptula, the school system’s buildings and grounds supervisor. “There were big dirt mounds that they were moving.” The work, which began Aug. 5, is part of a project to construct a new athletic complex at Lyman Hall. Upon completion, the school will have an artificial turf field, a seven- to eight-lane track, and a new lighting system. The complex is expected to cost $2.4 million and was designed by BCS Group. It’s being built by Mountain View Landscapes and Lawncare.
The infield was completely ripped up Friday. Contractors were loading dirt into trucks to be taken away from the field. The surface of the track was also removed.
The track will be put in first, Deptula said. Because of the larger size of the track, the visitors’ bleachers were moved to make room.
“The most important factor is the paving of the track because, from that date to the installation of the rubber over the pavement, they need 15 to 20 days for the oil to come out of the pavement,” Deptula said.
The goal is to complete the project before Thanksgiving, Deptula said.
“The turf field should be done in the week of Nov. 2, with final completion around Nov. 12,” he added. “The intent was to try to have the powder puff game there and they’re going to do everything possible to make it happen. I have a feeling they may shave some time off this job.”
School Superintendent Salvatore Menzo said the project is on schedule.
“There are weekly meetings made up of the architect, contractor and staff at the school,” Menzo said. “We’re very pleased with the project.” CLICK TITLE TO CONTINUE