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City and schools present $51M recommended plan for Walker Early Learning Center and broader CIP priorities
Summary
City and school staff presented Capital Improvement Program priorities and three Walker site schemes for the Early Learning Center; staff recommended a mid‑range Scheme C (estimated at ~$51 million) that preserves a gym, reduces retaining/parking impacts and fits a multi‑year renovation plan tied to potential penny‑tax revenue.
City public‑works and school division staff briefed the board on the Capital Improvement Program and three conceptual schemes for the Walker Early Learning Center on June 4.
Mike Goddard, deputy director for public works, summarized CIP funding priorities including a $1.4M-per-year priority-improvement fund, planned elementary roof replacements, HVAC maintenance increases and anticipated solar installations at several schools. The Charlottesville Middle School project was reported on time and on budget.
Staff presented three Walker/CELC site schemes: Scheme A (demolish the gym and build down the slope, estimated ~$42.5M), Scheme B (a terrace approach with substantial retaining and higher construction costs, estimated ~$60M), and Scheme C (a middle-ground design that demolishes the existing Gym C but provides a new middle-school‑sized gym and retains parking, estimated ~$51M). Staff recommended Scheme C as the balanced option based on cost, flexibility and retaining gym space for swing‑space use during elementary modernizations. The presentation emphasized that existing funding covers some near-term projects but that the long-term program (staff referenced a draft $475M, 16‑year plan) would require additional funding sources. The board earlier adopted a resolution endorsing state legislation that would enable localities to levy a 1% local-option sales tax to help finance such projects.
Board members asked about timing, the use of Walker as swing space to allow full-year renovations of elementary schools (rather than single-summer work), and how a penny tax would be phased into the plan. City staff said more detailed design and budget work remains and that the board and council will need to coordinate on funding requests.
