GREENFIELD — Despite a delayed start date for construction, the fire station project remains on track to be completed within the two-year timeframe firefighters expected to use the temporary station on Hope Street.
“Because of the detailing we’ve done all along, particularly after the last estimate was done in January, we’ve simplified the design … in key ways that we think has shortened the construction timeframe,” Katrina Pacheco with Pacheco Ross Architects told members of the Fire Station Building Committee, which met virtually last week. “I think early on we were anticipating a 14- to 16-month timeframe. We think, with the changes we’ve made over time, we’re more at a 12- to 13-month timeframe. … That will help us stay within the window of the temporary facility rental and occupation.”
To make way for the construction of the new library on Main Street, which is being built on the land of the old station, firefighters moved in September into a temporary structure on Hope Street, where they expect to be for two years. The new fire station is being built on Main Street near Coombs Avenue.
The goal, Pacheco explained, is to submit plans to the Zoning Board of Appeals next week, in time to be on an agenda for May. Architects also continue to work with Eversource on energy efficiency.
Pacheco said she anticipates sending the design package to estimators by the second week of May, allowing time for adjustments to be made before sending the package out to bid by July 1.
“I know this is further down the calendar than when we wanted at the last meeting,” Pacheco said. “We anticipate, at this point, an Aug. 15 contract award date and then starting construction in September.”
In order of priority, the Fire Station Building Committee also approved its alternate list, with the outbuilding identified as the first alternate, the metal roof as the second alternate and the turnout gear lockers as the third.
“The fire station is coming from a two-story building and a cellar, and they’re going to a building that’s sitting on a slab with very little storage,” said Chair Butch Hawkins. “If they don’t have additional storage planned and as a primary item, it might not get funded. I think that, while the roof is important, I think the roof they’re putting on will be adequate for the time being.”
Fire Chief Robert Strahan, who ultimately agreed with the list as proposed, noted the importance of listing the items in order of priority, as procurement laws require the city to restore the items in the order they are presented.
“I would echo what the chairman said and put the out-garage as the (first) priority,” Strahan said. “We do have a lot of equipment.”
In response to questions about the cost of each alternate, Pacheco said the outbuilding was initially estimated at $205,522, though she noted the size of the building has increased since the winter estimate. The metal roof, meanwhile, was estimated at $131,866 and the turnout gear lockers at $60,000.
Other alternates discussed at previous meetings included the epoxy flooring and the museum, both of which were restored earlier this year through transfers and amendments to the budget, which now totals $12 million.
Reporter Mary Byrne can be reached at mbyrne@recorder.com or 413-930-4429. Twitter: @MaryEByrne