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Art association granted four-month extension amid contractor shortage, ADA cost concerns
Summary
The Greater Fall River Art Association was given a four-month extension after explaining difficulty finding contractors willing or licensed to perform a costly porch, column and ADA lift project; association leaders said they will pursue the contractor who previously quoted and will update the committee by August.
The Greater Fall River Art Association received a four-month extension from the Community Preservation Committee to continue work on a porch, columns and ADA lift project that has stalled because local contractors will not bid the scope at current prices.
Dana Barnes, treasurer for the association, told the committee the project’s cost estimates have climbed sharply and that drawings took longer than expected. She said the group has narrowed scope to prioritize a new porch, replacement columns and a lift plus an accessible bathroom. Barnes said the association received a quote last year that approached $700,000 and that contractors willing to take the work are scarce or lack the license needed to pull structural permits.
Committee members suggested options: phase the project, pursue an engineer-led design that separates structural work from contractor procurement, or withdraw now and reapply with updated costs. One member proposed a shorter, four-month extension to August to allow the association to confirm whether an identified contractor will mobilize in June.
Barnes said she will intensify outreach to the contractor who previously quoted and will inform the committee before the four-month deadline. The committee approved the four-month extension by voice vote.
