On March 20, 1998, the Board of Educucation had a public presentation of a comparative study between the Matthies site in Beacon Falls and the LoRusso site in Prospect. After the presentation the Board voted to proceed with the Matthies Site in Beacon Falls, on a 6-2 vote. From Prospect, Mrs. Zaleski and Mr. Pilat voted for the motion and Mrs. Delage, and Mrs. Marczewski voted against the motion. The following is the document presented by the Architect comparing the two sites.

Region 16

High School Site Selection Meeting

March 20, 1998

Presentation by Jeter, Cook & Jepson
Architects

REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 16
NEW HIGH SCHOOL - SITE SELECTION

COMPARATIVE SITE REPORT - MARCH 20,1998

The purpose of this report is to provide conceptual design and conceptual site development cost information to assist the Building Committee and Board of Education in making a selection between the Matthies site in Beacon Falls and the LoRusso property in Prospect and Naugatuck for a new 800 pupil high school.

GENERAL

The primary focus of this study is on site issues and not building design or location within District 16. If the project is approved, regardless of which site is selected, detailed survey work and engineering data would typically lead to design adjustments to better adapt to the specifics of the location. Such adjustments are not expected to appreciably impact cost for purposes of site evaluation.

The budget estimates contained in this comparative evaluation are based on conceptual site plans. The budget figures represent approximate order of magnitude for the various site components of work and have been structured for comparative purposes. Once a specific site has been selected, detailed engineering will be required to confirm the design of all site utility systems. The conceptual figures contained in the study are based on the start of construction late 1999 with completion by September 2001.

CONCLUSION

Each site can support the proposed program for a new high school assuming confirmation of detailed technical data and appropriate governmental approvals. Each site has unique amenities and functional characteristics. The LoRusso property has a lower overall site development cost due to better soil conditions, proposed rough grading and site preparation by the owner, and reduced slope, but is in total more expensive due to the higher estimated cost to purchase the property, the need for a sewerage pump station, and longer access requirements. The LoRusso site is located in two towns and would require more approvals. Except for completion of the Rt. 42 improvements and local approvals, the Matthies Park site is ready to be developed. The LoRusso property will require extensive site preparation such as removal of the hill containing gravel, timely commitments to extend a workable sewer line to the Prospect town line, and the improvement of Spring Road to Rt. 68. In summary, the Matthies Park site will be less costly overall and require fewer approvals and is thus easier to develop.

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Location of LoRusso and Matthies Sites

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LoRUSSO PROPERTY

The following characteristics typify the LoRusso site:

• Potential to have all utilities.
• Grades require pump station to remove sewage frorn the site.
• Good buffer areas.
• Road reconstruction will facilitate good access.
• Slope is very workable.
• Extensive wetlands provide a beautiful setting but will require care to protect this sensitive environment.
• Soils well drained and excellent.
• Shape of property requires more land and spreads playfields out.
• Potential for expansion may be limited.
• Extent of underground aquifer is unknown. Connecticut Water Company review will be required.
• Approvals will be required in two towns and must be accomplished in a tirnely manner.
• Utility approvals for hook-ups will be required pending detailed engineering

The following concerns that will need to be addressed regarding development of the site are as follows:

• Coordination and completion of the Spring and Salem Road improvements prior to summer 2001.
• Installation of a sewer line to the site at the Prospect town line large enough to support the high school.
• Environmentally sensitive issues regarding proximity to major wetlands. a stream crossing, use of some setback areas and drainage.
• Review required by the Connecticut Water Company to protect adjacent public water supply well heads and aquifer.
• Limits to future expansion due to site constrictions.
• The need to obtain approval for use of the site for the high school.
• The need to obtain planning, zoning, site and wetlands approvals in both Prospect and Naugatuck.
• The need to change the status of the site from taxable property.
• Removal of the large gravel bank by the summer of 1999 and completion of rough grading and other agreed upon site prep prior to construction of the school.
• Higher estimated cost to purchase the property and higher cost to the District.
• The need to purchase a small piece of additional property in order to provide access directly from Spring Road.
• Greater complexity and timing issues regarding site preparation, added property purchase, sewer line extensions and surrounding road improvements.

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MATTHIES PARK

The following characteristics typify the Matthies Park site:

• All utilities present.
• Gravity flow to 10' sewer line in place.
• Good buffer areas.
• Rt. 42 road reconstruction facilitates entrance road from state highway.
• Rt. 42 reconstruction will start soon and be completed before the school opens.
• Reconstruction of Rt. 42 may, if timing permits, allow coordination of utility connections in the road thus reducing costs.
• Workable slope and drainage characteristics.
• Wetland areas appear to be insignificant however not yet fully surveyed.
• Soils are generally well drained.
• Shape of property allows efficient layout.
• Site accommodates ease of expansion.
• Amenities of adjacent park lands and open space.
• Exact extent of subsurface conditions and rock profiles is unknown but borings and sewer line construction do not indicate major rock near the surface.
• Site approvals required in Beacon Falls.
• Utility approvals for hook-ups will be required pending detail engineering.

The following concerns that will need to be addressed regarding development of the site are as follows:

• Coordination of Rt. 42 improvements and the Matthies Park entrance reconstruction with the high school project.
• Completion of the Rt. 42 reconstruction prior to summer 2001.
• Identification of pockets of wetlands as having insignificant impact.
• Unforeseen underground conditions primarily in respect to the extent of rock.
• The extent to which on-site material can be utilized for fill.
• Local approvals in the Town of Beacon Falls.

Regional School District No. 16
High School Comparative Criteria
March 20, 1998

Regional School District No. 16

High School Comparative Site Costs

March 20, 1998

** Based on per acre cost and limited to the 28 acres state will reimburse for. 

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