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Committee warns BIA the 703 Orange/89 Newburgh library plan could require $10M and risk ARPA funds
Summary
At an Aug. 4 meeting the West Haven Opera Committee pressed the BIA on a proposed library at 703 Orange Ave. and 89 Newburgh St., saying construction could cost about $8M–$10M, that ARPA funding buckets and an appraisal deadline create timing risk, and urging an immediate appraisal.
The West Haven Opera Committee heard a presentation Aug. 4 from attorney Stephanie Cummings on behalf of the BIA seeking to develop a new library on two parcels at 703 Orange Avenue and 89 Newburgh Street.
Cummings outlined the BIA’s multi‑year search for a site, past challenges with the Blake Building (including an EPA and Connecticut Department of Public Health action) and a recent LOI and purchase‑and‑sale agreement entered in July. She said the proposed replacement would be a two‑story building of roughly 12,000–13,000 square feet and that Codescotti and Associates produced the site drawings and engineer recommendation to demolish the existing structures and build new. "We agreed to increase the purchase price because the VA really wanted to get into an enrollment now in time," Cummings said in background remarks identifying the parcels and the owner, Richard Morris.
The chair pressed on likely construction costs and federal funding constraints, saying prevailing‑wage construction, demolition, parking and furnishings would push the price from an $8,000,000 baseline toward $10,000,000. "You're really gonna hit $10,000,000 on that project," the Chair said, emphasizing the committee’s concern about committing ARPA dollars to a project that might not be completed or could trigger clawbacks if the property is not used as required.
Committee members asked about environmental due diligence; Cummings said a phase‑1 environmental report was underway and expected by the end of the week. She also confirmed the project must secure a special permit and site‑plan approval because a library is not a by‑right use in the commercial zoning at the proposed parcels, and that the BIA planned to appear before the Planning & Zoning Commission next Tuesday.
The committee directed staff to prioritize an appraisal and further coordination with the BIA and the city’s accountants to reduce the risk of losing ARPA funds, a deadline the chair said could materially affect whether federal money remains available for the project.
