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BURRILLVILLE — The Town Council awarded a $1.4 million contract to a Cranston construction firm that will begin second phase work on the town’s new $5 million public works complex on Clear River Drive, which includes a new 27,000-square-foot DPW building complete with expanded office space and truck bays.
At a meeting last Wednesday, the council awarded a contract to Tower Construction Corporation, which submitted a low bid of $1,384,000 to construct the foundation and building envelope. The contract includes a 5 percent contingency allowance of $69,200 for unforeseen conditions or added value options for a total budget of $1,453,200.
The project, which began in 2016, is targeted for completion by the end of this summer.
“We still have a ways to go, but we’re getting there,” Department of Pubic Works and Parks and Recreation Director Jeffrey M. McCormick told the Town Council last week. “The site work is done and the sewer and water lines are in.”
The town is self-funding the project, which received $5 million from the 2016 and 2017 capital improvement plan budgets.
The Department of Public Works has outgrown its current building at 65 Union Ave.in Harrisville and is expanding its operations at a new location on Clear River Drive between the former landfill and Central Street. The goal is to build a facility that will serve the town’s public works needs for years to come, including a minimum of 14 large truck bays, six small truck spaces, three mechanical bays, and ample storage and offices to suit the current number of employees sharing tight quarters.
The project would also include a new salt shed and fuel depot.
The complex is being designed by Providence-based Ed Wojcik Architect, Ltd. The building site was actually selected eight years ago, but it wasn’t until 2013 that the Town Council listed the project as one of its goals and objectives. A feasibility study was conducted in 2014 and approval to move forward with design plans was granted by the council in 2015.
McCormick said the current 13,000-squarefoot DPW building that sits on 1.2 acres in the midst of a residential neighborhood on Union Street is deteriorating and no longer meets the needs of the department. The existing front office and garage was built in 1946, and the back garage was built in 1960.
According to McCormick, the buildings’ concrete, interior steel columns and floors are deteriorating; there’s no insulation or bathrooms; and there’s limited space and poor air quality.
Both the salt shed and fuel depot are in good condition and may or may not be moved to the new location on Clear River Drive.
McCormick has proposed a few preliminary options for the existing site, including using the area for storage or demolishing the structures and eventually selling the property.
The new site is located between the former (capped) landfill and Central Street and there is green space and a power line easement as a buffer between the proposed new DPW facility and residents living on Central Street.
The proposed 27,000-square-foot building, which was described by McCormick as “simple and sleek,” will have a new office and mechanics space; a carpentry shop; room for 25 to 28 trucks; attic space and storage for supplies and truck parts; a reception area, conference room and electric data room; two bathrooms (including one with shower facilities); and a break room, utility room and bunk room.
The estimated price tag for the entire complex is $4 million for the building; $140,000 for the salt shed; $160 for the fuel depot; and $700,000 for site clearing and preparation.