Schematic Design and Upcoming MSBA Submission The East Gloucester/Veterans’ School Building Project is currently in the phase referred to as Schematic Design. Schematic Design is a very detailed report of all aspects of the design including learning spaces, safety aspects and specifications, mechanical and HVAC systems, energy efficiencies, parking, outdoor playspace and site circulation, etc. This detailed schematic design ultimately becomes the blueprint for the building of the new school. The Schematic Design will be submitted to the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) on or before July 8, 2020, for their review leading to vote on the project by the MSBA Board of Directors on August 26, 2020. On April 29, 2020, Dore & Whittier sent out the most recent plans to estimators for the purposes of including cost estimates for the aforementioned submission to the MSBA in early July. While the plans are still evolving, there is sufficient detail, to-date, to provide the framework with which estimators can provide specific cost estimates for the construction of the new, combined East Gloucester / Veterans Memorial school. The Owner's Project Manager will receive three estimates which will then be reconciled to arrive at the estimated construction budget. Traffic and On-Site Parking The Project Designers, Dore & Whittier, continue to refine the site circulation plan and the amount of available onsite parking. The goals are: a) is to maximize the numbers of vehicles circulating on school property during dropoff and pickup while minimizing the number of cars on Webster St.; and, b) have adequate parking for staff and daily visitors.The latest site plan includes a wider access lane behind the school for increased event parking and for the required emergency vehicle access. Safety and Energy
The School Building Committee (SBC) has been working closely with the Gloucester Police and Fire Department, regarding the safety aspects that will be incorporated into the new school building and campus. These discussions include issues such as safe entry by visitors, to options for doors and glass for windows. The SBC also received a presentation on energy options. The goal, here, is to construct a “green school” with efficient heating and cooling systems, an abundance of natural light in classrooms, and low-cost maintenance on an ongoing basis and over time. Article 97 Land Swap Update The Gloucester City Council has voted to approve what is referred to as an Article 97 request to the state legislature for the transfer of the parcel of land, informally known as Mattos Field, to the School Committee to be used for the location of the new school building. The City Council in its motion also called for the current East Gloucester School site to become a protected open space for the community. In addition, the motion included providing for the relocation of the softball field known as Mattos Field to Green St. recreational area. To-date, at the state level, this Article 97 request was discussed and deliberated by the Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government and received a favorable vote. The matter is now before the full Legislature with anticipated votes--one by the House and one by the Senate--to occur some time in June. |
AuthorsMembers of the East Gloucester Building Committee post project updates here periodically. Archives
January 2021
|