Chester committee moves proposed $8 million public-works garage to council agenda, contingent on solicitor and chief of staff

The Chester Public Works Committee voted on Jan. 15 to add preliminary-final approval for a proposed new public works and parks garage at 291 Lloyd Street to the City Council agenda for Jan. 22, contingent on approval from the city solicitor and the chief of staff, committee members said.

The project matters because the city plans to use American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to build a climate-controlled, multi-bay facility to replace an existing garage the city says is inadequate; project leaders said the city must confirm available ARPA funding and meet federal timing requirements before moving forward. "The public works garage that we currently operate in is not satisfactory for, our staff and for the City's needs," Andrew Hayman, Director of Public Works, said during the meeting.

Engineers from Colliers presented updated plans and a cost estimate. Anthony LaRosa, a Colliers engineer, said the design is roughly 14,200 square feet with office space (currently drawn for seven offices and a bullpen), multi-bays for vehicle maintenance, and a covered salt shed to…