The CED Steering Committee voted Nov. 25 to transfer up to $791,342.51 in CDBG funds from the cancelled School Street School demolition project to a new Greenwood Pool Pavilion project.
Assistant Director (Speaker 2) presented a revised cost estimate of $782,970 and told the committee the increase was driven in part by Buy America requirements and higher construction costs. "In your packet, you have a revised estimate from Ty and Dawn, that shows an estimated total cost of $782,970," she said, adding staff had asked Titan Bond about potential alternates and remaining contingency in phase 1 demolition.
Committee members questioned whether the full demolition allocation should be moved now or held back pending final bids; Speaker 2 recommended allocating the full amount to the pavilion "just in case bids come in higher than the estimate" and suggested bidding some landscaping and lighting as alternates so the pavilion can be completed even if bids exceed the base estimate.
Speaker 3 noted the School Street School sale process is pending: bids were reviewed, a recommendation made and an offer accepted but details remain privileged until the closing is recorded. Environmental and permitting steps were discussed for portions of the pavilion that lie in a Zone C buffer; staff said the project will need conservation commission review (RDA or NOI) and may require MassDEP consideration.
Speaker 1 said the pavilion design likely will not include a surrounding fence between the pavilion and pool to avoid confusion and save on costs. Speaker 4 moved the transfer; Speaker 1 seconded. The motion passed by voice vote with no recorded opposition. The transcript records a voice vote but no roll‑call tally; staff will proceed with procurement planning and permitting.