Comparison of Costs at Schematic Design...from MSBA
TESBC Take 1
You probably can't read these charts, so print out the first 5 pages from the link below. Look at "New" construction type for Elementary Schools and then ask yourself a few questions like...
Is the location going to work for the school and the town?
A 3 story building will need a building variance from the ZBA.
Has there been a traffic study upon which to base the assurances that traffic and parking issues are resolved? In other words, where's the data?
Where will 580 kids have recess safely?
How many school choice students will attend this elementary school?
What is under the playing fields right now?
What are the demolition costs? Are those costs reimbursed by MSBA?
How does the town borrow money without a bond rating?
48 million! $511 per square foot! From the data below that is an exceptionally high cost per square foot. What makes this particular project in Templeton so exceptional?
Ashburnham Westminster 520 students $288.00 per square foot
Athol Royalston 545 students $368.00 per square foot
Other Elementary School Projects in MA:
Estimated Construction & Total Cost Project Cost Data at Schematic Design From MSBA website
These are important questions that need answers. Will we get them ? I doubt it. There is a interesting story about the testing that the kids are required to take by the state in the Gardner News. One thing caught my eye. The fact that the kids in Baldwinville can not take the test because they do not have access to computers. Now why not, especially in this day and age. Who's fault is that ? My guess is that it is another manufactured reason for the tax payers in this town to feel they have not given the students a fair shake, when it really has been the failure of the School Committee to provide the students with the tools they need to learn. People who pay the freight, more than likely, would have been more than glad to have computers in the Baldwinville School. The fact it did not take a mountain to move, to install computers in the Templeton Town Hall, the previous East Templeton School, should tell a story that even the members of the public and School Committee can understand. To have to put off giving students computers, until a new school is under construction, and they can move in, is very sad, and if my child was going to Baldwinville Elementary I would be very upset. Bev.
ReplyDeleteFor a clearer picture of where the citizens are sure to have all of the questions answered, please click on TESBC Take 1 near the start of this blog.
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