CDA approves change order for Linden Avenue repair; board also approves routine bills and minutes

The Middletown Community Development Agency approved a change order for work at a Linden Avenue property to remove a rear first-floor addition, install new footings to support the rear wall and reconstruct the rear addition, and to repair damaged sections of the main sewer and water supply lines, Secretary Bruni said during the meeting.

The change order covers two separate scopes: structural excavation and new footings, and replacement of a damaged section of the interior main water line. “It was to remove the first-floor addition, support the rear wall of the house, excavate and install new footings to support structural load and frame accordingly per New York State Building Code,” Secretary Bruni said. She said the structural work was estimated at $18,600 and the plumbing work at $5,600. Bruni reported that, as stated in the meeting, the total project cost would be $265,100.

The Finance Committee had moved the change order forward, and Alderman Johnson presented it to the full agency. “Mister Massey puts the motion on the floor. Mister Green seconds,” the record shows. The motion passed by voice vote; the transcript records members saying “Aye” and “Motion carries,” but does not record a roll-call tally.

In other business, the agency accepted the executive director’s report that 84 Linden has sold and is occupied by new homeowners, and that work continues on 54 Washington Street, which is being marketed by Patstone. The agency also approved payment of several bills related to 84 Linden, including repayment of a bridge loan and back taxes and authorized payment of professional invoices and the 2024 audit by RBT.

Votes at a glance

- Change order for Linden Avenue (structural and plumbing repairs): Moved by Mister Massey; seconded by Mister Green; outcome: approved by voice vote. Motion text (as stated): approve change order addressing rear addition removal, new footings per New York State Building Code, and replacement of damaged water/sewer sections; structural work $18,600; plumbing work $5,600; total project cost stated as $265,100.

- Approval of minutes (Jan. 21, 2025 and March 18, 2025): Mover not specified; seconded by Witt; outcome: approved.

- Payment of bills: Moved by Mister Massey; seconded by Mister Green; outcome: approved. Items listed in bills and communications: repayment of a bridge loan regarding 84 Linden to the city ($191,600 stated in the meeting), back taxes on 84 Linden ($19,578), final legal services for 84 Linden ($405), and the 2024 audit by RBT ($5,500). The meeting transcript included an additional interest amount for 84 Linden described as “a hundred and $2.31”; that line was not clear in the record and is therefore not reported as a definitive dollar figure.

Why it matters

The change order affects a housing rehabilitation project overseen by the agency and carries direct construction and maintenance costs. Agency members discussed the work as necessary to bring the rear addition and affected plumbing into compliance with the New York State Building Code. The approved payments affect the agency’s closeout of financial obligations tied to 84 Linden and the agency’s audit process.

Background and details

Secretary Bruni told members that during excavation contractors discovered that the rear addition’s framing did not rest on an actual foundation and that the rear wall supports multiple floor loads and the roof. After consulting the city building inspector, the agency authorized removal of the rear addition, shoring and reconstruction with new footings to meet building and energy code requirements. Bruni said the plumbing inspection found damage to a main water line segment that required excavation and replacement.

During the Finance Committee discussion, members noted the project remained within acceptable budgetary limits. After the committee vote, the full agency voted to approve the committee’s recommendation.

The meeting record shows standard procedural business: roll call, committee reports, approval of minutes, the executive director’s update, bills and communications, and a motion to adjourn. The transcript shows the agency handled the items by motion with seconds and voice votes; no member-level dissent on these items appears in the record.

Next steps

The change order will be executed as approved and, according to the transcript, will appear in the agency’s project records. The agency did not place any additional conditions or directive reports in the transcript beyond approving the change order and the listed bill payments.