To the Editor:
Recent events regarding the planning and execution of construction on several Town-owned properties has been disconcerting. It’s clear that asking parttime volunteers to manage projects of this scope isn’t feasible.
There are discussions taking place estimating costs in the $100 million dollar range for future maintenance and construction.
I believe it’s in the Town’s best interest to hire a full-time, experienced construction manager. Someone whose sole focus is the complete management of these projects. Someone whose interests align with ours rather than the general contractor. Rather, he is the general contractor. We need someone who will fight to ensure our money is being well spent, because it doesn’t feel that way now. I’m confident whatever salary we pay the person(s) will be realized in significant cost savings.
I know people will tell us all kinds of reasons why this is impossible, but it’s not. If we allow part time volunteers to manage this process, certainly we can have a professional.
The Police Station [building project] is turning into a debacle. When it was first announced, [then First-Selectwoman] Lynne Vanderslice discussed the $11 million range, then $13 million. All of a sudden it’s $20 million. I’m all in favor of the Police having a new building, but I can’t understand the cost. I can buy a 25,000 sq foot luxury estate on nine acres in Greenwich for that much money. The new Cranbury School in Norwalk is 62,000 sq feet and cost $45 million. Now I understand it’s not an apples to apples comparison, but it doesn’t seem right.
Something needs to be done, otherwise our taxes will take a significant jump higher as we approve these massive projects. We need a professional to manage this process.
Andy Schlesinger