Revised timeline for Dutchess BOCES Capital Project Completion
POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. – At the July 7th Dutchess County BOCES Board of Education meeting, Dr. Richard Hooley, District Superintendent, updated the Board of Trustees and the public regarding the timeline for the agency’s $36.8 million capital project.
He noted that a revised timeline for the project reflects delays caused by the removal of the initial excavator from the job due to its inability to complete the work. A cascade of other delays were also caused by the lost time while a new excavator was secured.
Amity Construction Corp. was selected to complete emergency work last spring after the initial contractor was removed from the project. They later were hired to complete the remaining excavation work. BOCES has already received funds from the surety company (insurance) to fund the new excavator
“The number one priority is student space,” said Hooley. “We will continue to work with the Palumbo Group to ensure classrooms, cafeteria and other dedicated student spaces will be complete and ready for September 2022.”
After further review, it will be decided if it is most prudent to progress with the completion of the conference center space at this time or to wait a bit longer. Adjustments to finishes and functions may need to be considered.
“It may be wisest fiscally to delay the completion of the conference center in order to provide the best end product for our community,” said Hooley. “A possible benefit in a delay is that it would allow us to determine and assess the effects the pandemic has had on improved instructional technology before outfitting the new space.”
After his remarks, the lead architect, Russ Davidson of KG&D Architects, indicated Hooley’s remarks maybe overly pessimistic given the recent progress of the project. Updates will continue to be posted on Dutchess BOCES website.
The project, approved by county residents in 2018 is designed to consolidate Dutchess BOCES’ K-12 programs to one campus, improve security, address ADA compliance and enhance facilities in support of high quality instruction.
