Hopkinton committee backs early takeover of Hopkins addition, extends temporary kitchen use

The Hopkinton School Committee voted Thursday to accept an accelerated turnover plan for the new Hopkins High School addition and to pursue adding capital work while the contractor remains mobilized.

Chris Eberle, project executive for the Vertex Companies, told the committee the project is running ahead of schedule and that taking possession earlier would allow more disruptive activities to occur during off-hours. "We're actually a significant amount ahead of schedule," Eberle said, adding the earlier turnover creates "the opportunity to add additional scope" and reduce daytime disruption for students.

Commodore Builders' representatives said the plan would let crews remain on site, avoid demobilization and remobilization, and schedule jackhammering, concrete…