LYNN — The city of Lynn has nearly $9 million in building projects on tap for 2013, making it one of the busiest construction seasons in seven years.
“There is millions of dollars of work happening in the next eight months,” said Inspectional Services Director Michael Donovan.”The last time we had work this big was probably when the city bonded $10 million and that was 2006.”
Donovan was quick to note that his department has kept busy with smaller works, but the projects ready to go out for bid now will get the city moving.
On Dec. 18, city councilors approved a $4 million bond that included, among other things, $250,000 for new front steps for City Hall, a new roof for Fraser Field at $390,000, $600,000 for air conditioning in Lynn Memorial Auditorium and about $125,000 in other building repairs. The bond list also includes work for Barry, Frey, Gallagher, Clark Street and Cook Street parks, and Magnolia and Sagamore Street playgrounds.
Along with the bonded items, Donovan also has a new roof for Lynn Technical Vocational Institute and new windows for Breed Middle School on his to-do list. Last spring, the School Department successfully applied for funding through the state’s Accelerated Repair Program, a branch of the state’s School Building Authority. The funding, which totals roughly $3.5 million, must be completed by Sept. 18, per order of the state.
“The state gives you 18 months from the day they let you into the program,” he said. “So we need to be completed by September.”
Donovan is also hoping to have the Ford School Annex transformed into a School Administration building by September. He said he met with Superintendent Catherine Latham Wednesday and finalized design plans for the space.
“The intent is to get in there in June or July and get the work done,” Donovan said. “They might not move in all at once ”¦ but this time next year they’ll all be in one location.”
After the School Department moved out of a Central Avenue building when rent became too high, administrators were spread over three areas, Broad Street, Fecteau-Leary Jr.-Sr. High School on North Common and LVTI.
Donovan told the School Committee in May the renovation would cost upwards of $700,000 and will include re-installing some walls and addressing mechanicals including a rooftop air conditioner that was on its last legs when the building was closed in 2008.
Before the majority of the projects can get underway, engineering and design plans must be put out to bid before the construction work can begin. Donovan said he will be busy, but it’s all good work for the city.
Chris Stevens can be reached at [email protected].
