Common Council approves $320,000 fund transfer for Nanomake School HVAC project

In the bustling heart of Norwalk City Hall, city officials gathered to discuss a significant initiative aimed at enhancing local school infrastructure. The Finance & Claims Committee meeting on July 10, 2025, highlighted a series of ambitious HVAC projects that have garnered state approval, promising to transform the learning environments across several schools.

Over the past two years, the Common Council has been actively engaged in a program initiated by the state of Connecticut, which allows for reimbursement of certain school improvement projects. This year marks the second phase of a program that has opened doors for funding HVAC upgrades, a critical need for many aging school facilities. With a reimbursement rate of 60%, the city stands to benefit significantly from state support, amounting to approximately $21 million for a total project cost of $36 million.

The committee reported that six individual projects have received state approval, allowing the city to move forward with design phases and bidding processes. However, the current market for mechanical contracting has proven challenging, with only one bid received for most projects, and those bids exceeding budget expectations. Despite these hurdles, the council has successfully approved five of the six projects, including upgrades at Brookside, McMahon, Wawaton, Nanomake, and Silvermine schools.

One project, however, has faced complications. The Marvin School project has encountered high bids and remediation issues, prompting the city to consider rescoping the project and re-bidding in September. The goal is to secure necessary equipment by early next year, ensuring installation can occur during the summer.

To address funding gaps, particularly for the Marvin School, the committee proposed a special appropriation to transfer $320,000 from the Brookside School project. This contingency fund is essential to manage unforeseen costs that may arise during construction. The committee emphasized the importance of having these funds readily available to ensure the smooth progression of all projects.

As the meeting concluded, the urgency of these improvements was palpable. With two projects expected to wrap up by December, the city is committed to enhancing the educational environment for its students. The ongoing efforts reflect a broader commitment to investing in the future of Norwalk's schools, ensuring that they are equipped to provide a conducive learning atmosphere for years to come.