The Redevelopment Commission approved Amendment No. 2 to the Christopher B. Burke Engineering contract for design and construction services on the Upper Elliott Dish Phase 1 project, which provides utility extensions and drainage work to enable future development near the Subaru site.

Jenny Miller of Christopher B. Burke Engineering said the project originally included utility extensions and regulated-drain components to free up easements and encourage development. The work now includes a 24-inch water main, a 12-inch water-main loop, a 24-inch sewer extension and large box structures and ponds for drainage. Miller said the amendment covers additional design work (including upsizing from earlier 18-inch designs) and construction observation services to address RFIs, shop drawings and installation oversight.

Miller said the total project cost estimate is about $6.5 million and that the expense is a shared cost with the county; staff said construction timing depends on land acquisition. Commission members confirmed the amendment would carry the design through construction observation and that the amendment amount represents roughly 8–10% of the contract value. A motion to approve the amendment was moved, seconded and approved on a voice vote.

Why it matters: the utility and drainage extensions are intended to make the site build-ready and to support development in the Newcastle/Old 350 area. Upsizing mains and installing drainage infrastructure are significant capital investments that enable future private development.

What’s next: staff to continue land-acquisition work, finalize construction documents and move toward bidding the project when acquisition and other preconditions are met.