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Chicopee advances Berry School feasibility study; MSBA process, wetlands and Article 97 protections add complexity
Summary
Architects and city staff told the School Committee the Berry Elementary project is in an MSBA feasibility stage and that wetlands, a state Article 97 parkland designation and a water easement narrow buildable options; the district will submit study reports this spring and summer as it evaluates three alternate sites.
The Chicopee School Committee heard a detailed update on the Berry Elementary feasibility study during its Feb. 19 regular meeting, with project architect Bert Gardner outlining next steps in the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) process and identifying site constraints that could affect whether the city rebuilds, renovates or adds onto the existing school.
Gardner, a principal with Caleb and Benick Architects, told the committee the project is in MSBA Module 3 (the feasibility study). He said the team must prepare a preliminary design program and a preferred schematic report that will show the recommended option — base repair, add/reno or new construction — and that the MSBA will use those documents to determine its funding share.
The preferred-schematic phase and MSBA approval will determine…
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