Sept. 16 -- Ridgefield is looking at a $31.4 million construction budget for its new school, according to Construction Manager Mike Rizzo of Caldwell and Walsh, the town's construction company. Rizzo presented the 5-6 School Building Committee with the preliminary cost estimates for the project this evening.
Rizzo broke down the school's costs this way:
| Pre-construction costs | $651,100.00 |
| Site development | $3,148,125.00 |
| New construction | $27,591,268.00 |
| TOTAL | $31,390,393.00 |
It is estimated that the State of Ct. would reimburse the town 23% of the eligible construction costs, which could amount to more than $6 million. The estimate does not include an additional elevated access way into the school from Copps Hill Road, near the tennis club. The raised causeway-style alternative entrance would raise the cost of the project by another $1.8 million.
The Building Committee also received a preliminary site plan from Environment Design Associates. The plan utilizes more than 46% of the 58 acre property for the new intermediate school, town athletic fields, eco-study trails and future site for a new elementary school. "It's the perfect school site," said landscape architect Gill Wheless.
Attending tonight's meeting were Democratic Selectman Barbara Manners and Democratic Board of Education Members Kitty Fischer and Mary Pat Devine. "I'm glad the figures are finally out," said Devine. "This allows the townspeople to make better-informed decisions, rather than rely on rumors." Fisher was pleased with the reports; "Using over 46% of the land should help people understand what a good location for a school this is," she said.
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