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Westlake bathhouse design funded; committee aims for a hard number before town meeting
Summary
Committee members said they have funding for an architect and OPM for the Westlake/Westside bathhouse and outlined a roughly one‑year schedule to produce final drawings and a hard cost estimate ahead of town meeting.
The Beach Committee said May 14 it has secured money for an architect and an owner's project manager (OPM) to develop final designs for the Westlake/Westside bathhouse and that it expects to have a hard construction estimate in time for town meeting consideration.
"Now that we have the money for architect and OPM, now we have a year," the agency official told the committee, describing a schedule that would produce detailed plans and a bid package about a week or two before town meeting so voters can see a firm price. The official said contracts will be routed to town staff and then, if town meeting approves, the town could start the contracting process the following summer.
Committee members discussed project logistics, including that the selected firm has local coastal experience and knowledge of permitting for barrier beaches. The agency official said the design will move beyond schematic sketches to "nuts and bolts" plans, a bid package and bonding documents so the winning bidder can line up subcontractors and order long‑lead items such as windows.
The official also described security and operational considerations for the new bathhouse: the plan includes a 360‑degree camera view to monitor the beach and nearby intersections and a winter‑season camera feed tied to the police station to alert staff to fires or people in dunes.
Why it matters: securing design and OPM funding is a significant step that puts the project on a concrete timetable and gives town meeting voters a specific price to consider. Committee members said having a bid-ready packet before town meeting increases the chance of moving quickly if voters approve the funds.
Votes at a glance: Committee members moved and seconded to approve the minutes of the April 9 meeting; the motion carried. The committee later moved and seconded to adjourn; that motion carried as well.
What’s next: The committee said it will receive the architect/OPM contracts once executed, hold regular project meetings during the design year, and bring a final estimate to town meeting for a funding decision.
