Public Property committee authorizes submission of 2 Hamilton Street to MSBA Accelerator Repair Program

The Committee on Public Property voted to allow the superintendent of schools to submit 2 Hamilton Street to the Massachusetts School Building Authority’s Accelerator Repair Program (ARP).

Committee members were joined by the superintendent and legal counsel. The superintendent described the step as procedural: approving the submission allows the school department to apply for funding for Phase 2 work such as roof, window, door and HVAC repairs. He emphasized that submission does not guarantee acceptance or reimbursement, but that if a project is accepted MSBA can reimburse up to 80% of eligible costs.

Counsel asked whether the statement of interest (the initial application) already delineates specific Phase 2 work; the superintendent said the statement of interest will include some items but not the complete list because more detailed scope is developed in Phase 2. The committee discussed that, if the application is successful and work involves capital expenditures, financing and City Council approval would be required when specific costs and funding sources are identified.

Committeemembers noted other Taunton schools that have used the ARP, including Bennett School, Allegan School, Taunton Alternative High School and Joseph Martin Middle School. The committee commended the superintendent and school department for pursuing available state funding to extend the useful life of existing school facilities.

Councilor Coates asked whether work would come from the building department’s general fund; the superintendent said capital expenditures would come from the city (building department) and that the school committee would be involved in selecting items for the statement of interest. The committee voted to approve the submission to MSBA’s ARP with no objection.

The committee recorded the motion and approved it by voice vote.