The Build to Suit Proposal for Bridgwater is ready

The Built-to-suit Proposal for Bridgewater is ready
(Page Down for Detailed Report. Click on each page to enlarge)

The board will soon be updating the education specifications to reflect lower student forecast for the region that was received in February 2007. The current student population in Burnham is 120 students and it is forecast to decline in the coming years. However, the state of CT predicts by 2015-16 the student population in Burnham will be 110 and the newly renovated building may eliminate any drop in enrollment.

Build-to-suit proposal for renovation could support a student population of 145, with class sizes of 25 students per room. The proposed configuration exceeds the current education specification in most functional areas.

As you know the last referendum in June 2006 was defeated at the polls since Washington did not want invest in the schools located in the other regional towns. At that time the net bond cost for the Burnham school after state aid was $9.5 million. The build-to-suit proposal has advantage of not depending on Washington to pay for renovations of the Bridgewater school. It assumes no state aid and therefore does not require the entire building to be renovated to the status of a brand new building. The cost estimate by Oak Park Architects for West Hartford, CT is $7.7 million. The town of Bridgewater would bond this amount over a twenty-year period.

Here is a summary of the features of the Burnham Build-to-Suit proposal.

What is brand new?
6 full sized new classrooms.
A large media center has a computer room for 24 computers.
Fully equipped handicapped bathrooms.
New equipped warming Kitchen is provided.
New Music room is next to the stage.
New storage is convenient to the gym/multi-purpose room.
New rubber sports floor in the gym.

What is old but improved?
The Lobby is larger and has an attractive canopy.
Flat roof in 1920’s and the roof in 1950’s administration and lobby are replaced.
All windows are replaced with energy efficient windows.
All classrooms in 1920’s and 1950’s building are brought to code.
Expanded nurse area is provided next to administration.
Special education space is much larger and instructional storage is improved.

What Infrastructure changes are made?
Both buildings have new fire sprinkling system and new wells are added.
A new larger electric service is provided.
An emergency generator is included.
An additional boiler will be added.
Air conditioning is planned for the whole facility.
Footing drains in the south end of building are installed.

Does it meet education specifications?
The overall space exceeds requirements (107% of SLAM proposal of Feb. 2006).
The square footage for instructional space, administration and special education exceeds the requirements of the 9/15/05 education specifications.

Why does it cost less than SLAM estimated in 2006?
The oldest building is not renovated to a brand new building.
The storage space and boiler room in the basement will not be renovated to new.
The existing gym and stage will be renovated in place.
Realistic site and soft costs are provided.

Can we get state aid?
Yes, if Washington agrees to go with build to suit and commit to the IMA.
Yes, If BOE approves the plan, applies for state aid and legislators get relief.
State aid can come after the project is complete as it did in Kent.
The application for aid can be made earlier.

When can we start?
When the town referendum is passed, the BOE approves the plan and the town has a long-term lease commitment.

The Building Committee of Bridgewater