By Carol P. Bartold

Sep. 30, 2015:  Assistant Superintendent for Business Dan Carlin reported to the Bronxville Board of Education at its September 28 meeting that the auditorium, originally scheduled for completion in June, is "about 98 percent complete." 

He reported that he, KG&D Architects, the project architect, and the construction manager pushed the subcontractors to accelerate. "They just don't like they're in that great of a hurry to get it done," Carlin said, "yet the liquidated damages keep accruing." 

Liquidated damages, charged at $1,000 per day for each day beyond the promised completion date in June, will reduce the final amount of the construction contract. 

Carlin noted that by all appearances, the auditorium, when completed, will look as it does at this point. 

Critical items needed before useful occupancy will be granted include delivery and installation of some interior and exterior railings, lights, and some of the sound and video technology that will be part of the new capabilities in the auditorium. 

Carlin stated that critical items needed to be put in place before the project reaches a punch list stage. Punch list items are typically the final details or deficiencies that must be resolved to satisfy the terms of the contract. He anticipates the project's reaching the punch list stage within two weeks. 

Superintendent Dr. David Quattrone indicated that the district is considering removing some of the work that it can complete from the contract, such as sodding the area outside the auditorium. 

Carlin reported that the facilities committee, at its recent meeting, reached a consensus recommendation for a lead engineer and consultant for the Hayes Field synthetic turf project. The board of education approved the committee's suggestion to appoint landscape architects Abel Bainnson Butz, LLP, to serve in that capacity. 

District architect KG&D will assist Abel Bainnson Butz with project oversight and with meeting any state education department requirements. 

Carlin stated that he expects the two firms to present a joint proposal to the board of education at the October meeting. "We want the board to authorize that they get going," Carlin said. 

The turf project is contingent upon the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Midland Valley Drainage Project, which has been delayed indefinitely after bids came in from approximately $3 million to $6 million over the FEMA's $6.9 million grant to fund the project. 

The hydraulic pumping system designed to collect and discharge excess storm water run-off is to be installed underneath Hayes Field. The restoration of Hayes Field, which would comprise installation of synthetic turf and reconfiguration of the field, would be undertaken after completion of the hydraulic pumping system. 

Dr. Quattrone stated that the village is seeking approval to divide the project into phases for funding purposes in hopes of getting it started. Village Administrator Jim Palmer confirmed that the village is working with the New York State Office of Emergency Management (NYSOEM) for approval of the phasing option. He added that a planned early phase would allow construction of the force main and a partial pumping system, which would demonstrate to FEMA that progress is being made. At the same time, NYSOEM would have time to apply for further federal funding to facilitate a second phase of the FEMA flood mitigation project.

Pictured here:  Interior of the new auditorium (with seats covered).

Photo by A. Warner