By Jarret Liotta
Refurbishment of Coleytown Middle School (CMS) will cost an estimated $32 million but can still be done for the start of the 2020-21 school year, according to those studying the matter.
Refurbishment will cost an estimated $32 million; new school $75 million. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
The CMS Building Committee will officially announce details tonight at a 7 p.m. meeting in the Staples High School cafeteria. Thursday night it is scheduled to make a similar presentation to the Boards of Education (BOE) and Finance, and the Representative Town Meeting (RTM).
According to documents prepared for tonight’s meeting, cost estimates for the project include $22.3 million in construction, along with $5.8 million representing a 15% contingency amount, as well as insurance and permit fees, making total construction costs $28,134,129.
Estimates also include $2,549,127 in “soft costs,” which including industrial hygiene work, moving and storage, special testing, and various fees.
Following this total of $30,683,256, there is an additional $1,288,979 estimated for alternative options that had been requested by the BOE, including air conditioning in the gym and locker rooms, science rooms, and additional security. This makes a grand total of $31,972,235.
According to a 23-page PowerPoint presentation, which will likely serve as the appropriation request to the town funding bodies for the project, estimated cost for a new school is $75 million.
CMS was closed last September following air quality issues including mold found at the school. Its students moved to Bedford Middle School (BMS) for this school year.
