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Committee hears construction progress; Buckley tennis courts delayed pending DEEP approval
Summary
Committee heard progress reports on Buckley, Burns, Betances, Kennelly and Wish schools; staff said Buckley’s tennis courts are on hold pending final DEEP approval because foundations must extend below a landfill cap, and presenters reported EEO participation rates and state reimbursement figures.
During the Hartford School Building and Construction Committee’s June 15 meeting, program staff and consultants gave progress and budget updates on multiple district construction projects and flagged a permitting hold that affects the Buckley tennis courts.
Program management reported Buckley High School and portions of central administration achieved occupancy in December and that most final work is on punch lists, commissioning and auditorium finishes. "We have… some miscellaneous work regarding punch list on the roof, some HVAC commissioning items, and we're active in the auditorium, which is the last area of the building to be turned over," the presenter said. The presenter added the auditorium seating and final finishes are expected by the end of August.
Staff reported project expenditures and state reimbursements: Buckley was reported as approximately $192 million expended to date with $16–17 million encumbered and about $13.8 million received from the state. Central administration was reported as $33 million paid to date with about $20 million received. Burns was reported at roughly $55.5 million paid with state reimbursements bringing the project to about 80% reimbursement status as presented.
A site‑specific hold affects the Buckley tennis courts because a portion of the site sits on a former landfill and fencing foundations must reach deeper than the existing 2‑ft cap. The presenter said revised approval from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is drafted but not yet issued. In an exchange, Mr. Horvath asked whether the cap affects tennis courts versus parking and whether the hold is time‑limited; staff replied they have reached out to the Department of Administrative Services to coordinate with DEEP and that the approval should be finalized soon but remains unsigned at present.
Colliers (Judy) reported on Betances, Kennelly and Wish projects: Betances is about 10% complete with turnover expected February 2027 and reported Hartford resident participation of 30.4% on site; Kennelly’s phase 2.1 is approximately 80% complete with some areas (gym and cafeteria) delayed and turnover in November 2026; Wish School is about 25% complete with turnover expected fall 2027. Budget-to-date and state reimbursement numbers were presented for each project; presenters said several pending state payments were expected in the coming weeks.
No public comments were recorded during the meeting. The committee scheduled its next meeting for July 20, 2026, and adjourned.
