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APPROPRIATION COMMITTEE SPECIAL TOWN MEETINGS 2017-2&3 OCTOBER 10,2017
<br /> day, i.e., either in the morning or afternoon, while 40 attended two slots per day, for a total of 121 slots.
<br /> The current program capacity is 157 slots, including 97 slots in the Harrington School and the rest in the
<br /> CO building.Per state regulations, each class has a maximum of 15 students.
<br /> The splitting of the program between two buildings and the present condition of the LCP space in the CO
<br /> building have created many challenges for the operation of the LCP. Issues of concern include security,
<br /> communication, child safety, limitations on program capacity,program integrity and efficiency, and staff
<br /> work efficiency.
<br /> The program serves children with complex physical, medical, or other needs, many of whom are best lo-
<br /> cated close to a school nurse or require placement in acoustically proper spaces or spaces with other special
<br /> requirements. Since there is no nurse in the CO building,there are tight constraints on how the space in the
<br /> CO building can be used. Speed and reliability of communication is important in a preschool environment,
<br /> especially one that serves children with special needs; communication between LCP staff in the CO build-
<br /> ing and those in the Harrington School building has been awkward, inconvenient, and often ineffective.
<br /> While the distance between the two buildings would not present large challenges to older children or adults
<br /> without mobility issue, it does for preschool children especially during winter months and inclement
<br /> weather. The CO building has not been modified to provide appropriate security for the LCP portion of the
<br /> building. There are also safety concerns regarding children crossing the parking lot.
<br /> The School Committee has been looking for a permanent location for the LCP and the Pelham Road location
<br /> has become the preferred choice. Moving the LCP out of the Harrington School to a more suitable facility
<br /> is intended to alleviate the issues with the present facilities, and would also free up four classrooms that
<br /> could then be used for K-5 education to help alleviate overcrowding in the elementary schools.
<br /> Project Costs and Appropriation Schedule
<br /> As of September 13, 2017, the total project cost is estimated at $14,879,342. The design has since been
<br /> revised in order to locate the building further away from the wetland.This may result in additional site costs
<br /> anticipated in the $100,000 to $200,000 range.
<br /> The table below lists previous,proposed current and expected future appropriations.
<br /> LCP Project Purpose
<br /> STM 2017 Spring $581,500 Design Funds for LCP
<br /> STM 2017 Fall $2,500,000 Design, engineering (including the demolition of the existing
<br /> structure, removal of hazardous material, and some sitework),
<br /> and architectural services
<br /> Expected future $11,797,842 Construction, sitework, and completion of the project
<br /> appropriation
<br /> Total $14,879,342
<br /> It should be noted that the project cost of$14,879,342 does not include the cost of acquiring the property
<br /> at 20 Pelham Road, which was approximately $8 million inclusive of costs of studies, legal work, and
<br /> miscellaneous items. The Lexington Community Center (LexCC), which is located on the adjacent lot,
<br /> could potentially use a portion of the 20 Pelham Road lot for a detached gym and cafeteria or additional
<br /> parking. However, since the expansion of the LexCC is not viewed as being time critical, and because the
<br /> time was short to prepare for this special town meeting, planning for such expansion has been deferred
<br /> beyond this meeting.
<br /> Since this project is for a preschool,it is not eligible for MSBA reimbursement.
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