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Hamilton County commissioners debate North River Elementary design, costs and neighborhood concerns
Summary
Commissioners discussed the recommended hire of Franklin Architects for the proposed North River Elementary, raised questions about project cost and capacity, and explored a possible partnership with the North River YMCA.
Hamilton County commissioners discussed a recommendation to hire Franklin Architects to design the proposed North River Elementary and aired concerns about cost, student capacity and neighborhood opposition.
The commission heard that earlier cost estimates varied with building size. Todd Lehman, county staff, said construction cost estimates "are based on scopes, which are connected to the number of students" and that a prior figure of "about $50,000,000" applied to a larger school than the system now proposes. He told commissioners the design contract will return to the commission with a price and that the county negotiates design fees using the state fee curve.
A commissioner who did not identify themself said on the record they expected to oppose the project because "the current populations that this school will serve ... do not support this project." Commissioner Graham, who spoke later, urged durable roof choices and greater insulation, saying a "stand and seam metal roof lasts probably a lifetime" and warning that flat roofs "in the long run ... cost us a lot more." Graham said he had worked with Franklin Architects previously and was broadly supportive of strong long-term materials.
Mayor (present) described the site near Access Road and Hixson Pike as a "peninsula" with potential to support an expanded campus and said county staff have discussed turning adjacent land into a schoolyard or park and exploring a partnership with the North River YMCA. The mayor also noted the school board chair has professional ties to the YMCA and said representatives plan visits to study school–YMCA partnerships in other cities.
County staff and commissioners repeatedly said the final construction and design costs depend on the school board's final guidance on intended student capacity; Lehman estimated typical architectural fees "somewhere around 7 to 8% of the budgeted construction fee," though he prefaced that remark with "don't quote me." The resolution to approve a design firm was discussed; the transcript does not record a final vote or the contract amount for the Franklin Architects engagement.
The commission also asked for continued communication with neighborhood representatives and for commissioners to be included in follow-up conversations with the school system and potential partners.
