Construction update: Neil Armstrong progress, playground delays and proposed field lights draw community outreach
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Summary
Contractors and district staff described steady construction at Neil Armstrong Middle School, delayed playground installations due to logistics, and plans to pursue field lighting at multiple sites subject to land-use hearings and neighborhood meetings.
District construction staff and their CMGC contractor reported progress at multiple bond sites and highlighted three operational items the committee should track: Neil Armstrong Middle School construction milestones, playground-installation delays and the district’s plan for field lighting that will require neighborhood outreach and city land-use approval.
Cam, the 5 Star Builders superintendent on the project, described work at Neil Armstrong: steel erection, metal decking, concrete pours, glulam beams set in the gym and seismic excavation around the cafeteria and exterior. Cam said interior work included demoing old admin space to create classrooms and new front-office security vestibules.
Playgrounds: staff admitted installation problems after deliveries were mixed between sites and some components (swings and a slide) ended up in a district warehouse. Replacement swings are en route and a temporary barricade will allow affected playgrounds to open before the missing slide is recovered.
Field lighting: the district previewed a separate land-use approval process with a neighborhood meeting and a formal hearing; staff recommended bringing the lighting vendor and community supporters to the hearings to address concerns about pole height and light pollution and to explain shielding and modern LED directional fixtures that limit off-site glare.
Other notes: the committee heard updates on gym floors (a rubberized floor contracted via state cooperative) and movable bleacher options for middle-school events, as well as HVAC, roofing and security system work across sites. The oversight committee plans a March site tour at Cornelius and will continue to review schedule, permits and community engagement steps.