Middletown committee: site mobilization under way, wetlands and DOT approvals near; elementary work begins

Architects and the owner's representative told the Middletown School Building Committee on June 25 that construction mobilization is underway at the middle-high school site, bidding is nearing completion and the elementary school complex has mobilized for Phase 1 work.

Justin Milianti of HMFH said Gilbane has mobilized at the middle-high school and the high school site will follow. The committee heard the next project milestone will be securing a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) for both projects once bidding finishes this summer. The team also said it would post required permits on the site fence along with work orders when final approvals are obtained.

Wetlands, DEM and DOT approvals

Presenters reported a wetlands permit was expected soon but that the DEM reviewer had an outstanding comment about a temporary chain-link fence shown in the tree protection plan; the design team told the committee the fence is temporary for tree protection and will be removed and that the landscape architect is addressing the DEM comment. The presenters said they anticipated full approval by the end of the week or shortly thereafter.

For the DOT permit, the team reported an administrative delay in the department's electronic portal because a single portal administrator was on paternity leave. DOT provided a signed letter from the department's chief engineer that the design team intends to present to the July 9 planning board as acceptable evidence of DOT approval while the electronic permit issuance is pending.

Construction and site work status

The team said site-disturbance thresholds tied to the wetlands permit (a 1-acre limit) will be lifted once the wetlands approval is signed, allowing planned excavation to proceed. At the middle-high school the team reported that trees and stumps have been removed, a stone wall was relocated to a nearby property and bulk excavation is underway.

At the elementary school complex, Bentley mobilized for Phase 1: HVAC repairs are scheduled to begin, courtyard demolition and selective foundation removal will start soon, and the team said it is attempting to complete sprinkler rough-in and other corridor work this summer to reduce the amount of work required in the final summer before occupancy. The presenters said the contractors will coordinate logistics to avoid disrupting student parking or classroom functions; they expect summer activity to wrap before the school year opens in late August.

Schedule, signage and other items

The architects said signage design options will be returned to the committee (targeting a July 23 meeting) and that the CHIP design submission is targeted for Aug. 1. The team reported the overall program remains on track for a final certificate of occupancy for the middle-high school in April 2028, while buyout and subcontract negotiations continue.

Permits, site access and worker safety

Committee members asked about Knox box placement (key-storage boxes for first responders); architects said locations were chosen after review with the police and fire departments and will be issued to the fire chief for final review. The meeting also reviewed on-site logistics for worker briefings and trailer conference space, including a discussion of new heat/cold protections the contractors plan to provide when environmental thresholds are exceeded.

Ending

Committee members asked staff to keep communication flowing with building officials and to present final permit documentation at the planning board as planned. The team said it will continue to update the committee on permit status, bid buyout progress and the alternate-trending log at upcoming meetings.