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Rockwell Park permitting pushed to July; RFP expected in August, construction likeliest in 2027
Summary
Town staff told the Bloomfield subcommittee that Rockwell Park's lighting and permitting work is complete, the TPZ hearing is expected July 23, an RFP could go out in August and contractors may be picked in September or October; staff said about $170,620 has been spent to date on design fees.
At a Bloomfield governance policy and economic development subcommittee meeting, town parks director David Molesco gave an update on the Rockwell Park improvement project, saying permitting slipped past a June TPZ deadline but that lighting/photometric plans have been completed and an application was submitted and signed by the town manager.
"We submitted the application," Molesco told the committee, and "I believe it's the July 23 meeting" for TPZ review. He said the bid package will be developed after permitting and that the town hopes to release a request for proposals in August and select contractors in September or early October if the review proceeds without additional delays.
The timeline is contingent on respondents to the RFP and on weather, Molesco said. "It really will become just weather dependent," he said, adding that some contractors have poured concrete in December on other projects and that work could begin this fall but is more likely to resume after the thaw in late winter or spring 2027.
Councilor Cooper asked how much of the project funds have been spent. Molesco initially referenced an earlier figure and then provided a clarified amount: "To this point, we've spent $170,620 on the project, and that's all gone to the design consult for the design fees," he said, noting that the bulk of the construction budget will not be used until the project reaches the construction phase. He earlier said the town submitted a conservative estimate to the state and received $4,000,000 of a $7.5 million request.
Councilor DeBethan Brown asked for a full debrief before September to preserve institutional knowledge ahead of several planned staff departures. The chair said staff will coordinate with Molesco and brief any successor who assumes responsibilities for the project.
During public comment, resident Aaron Behringer urged the committee to include an augmentative alternative communication (AAC) board in a future playground design at Bill Lee Field to improve accessibility for children who use alternate forms of communication; he told the committee that roughly 21% of Bloomfield public school students receive special education services.
Next steps: staff expect the TPZ hearing on July 23, will proceed with permit completion if approved, intend to issue an RFP in August, and aim to select contractors in September or October with construction realistically starting after winter thaw in 2027 if bids and schedules permit.
