Leonard Park Committee flags management and communication problems on Tea House project

Chairperson Erin Heaton and Vice Chairperson Mey Marple told the Leonard Park Committee on Jan. 13 that they remain concerned about management and communications for the Tea House project after the Dec. 15 Board of Trustees meeting. They said the architect, Dana Hochberg, was assigned project-manager responsibilities but that neither he nor Village Manager Brancati have provided the proactive updates the committee requested.

Committee members pressed for financial transparency: the minutes note that financials requested at the Dec. 15 Board meeting have not been provided because, according to Village Manager Brancati, none of the bills had yet been paid. Members also reported that the Village Manager and the architect ordered supplies independently of the contractor and that some deliveries went to DPW without contractor coordination, causing wasted time and resources. Superintendent of Recreation Kyle Thornton reported that “the concrete was poured that day,” and said it was not clear what the pour was for. Trustee Tom Luzio said he would report back to the Village Board about the committee’s concerns.