JULY 28, 2015 LAST UPDATED: TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2015, 9:38 AM
BY MATTHEW SCHNEIDER
STAFF WRITER |
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
Representatives of architecture firm EI Associates gave estimates on the cost of renovations to Ridgewood school buildings at last Monday’s Board of Education meeting.
“Over the past school year, we have been working with EI on some facility projects,” said Superintendent of Schools Daniel Fishbein. “The focus of tonight is on the facility review of all our schools.”
Mike Wozney, the director of all educational projects at EI Associates, described the way in which the firm travels to schools, inspects buildings, and estimates how much it would cost to spruce them up. However, as Wozney made clear, the numbers are hypothetical, and subject to change.
“These numbers are conceptual in nature,” Wozney said. “Any time we do a project for a district, we first identify the deficiency; put a budgetary number to it. As you move that project along, the next step would be schematic design. The numbers would be more accurate, and obviously with a detailed design, very accurate.”
https://www.northjersey.com/news/education/renovation-costs-reviewed-by-ridgewood-district-1.1381853
Taxpayers on the hook for the parking garage and library renovation ( performing arts center) and now this.
I think the plan is to throw as many projects as they can out there at once in the hope that 1 or 2 will make it through.
Declan must be cooking pasta.
No, I agree with Declan on this one. This has gotten out of hand with the elected officials of the Village and the BOED. The problem is that they will push these project threw and start them before election time comes and we have no choice but to complete them.
I agree with Declan, too. Between the VC and the BOE, they are going to spend tens of millions of dollars. It is going to be bank-breaking for all but the very rich among us.
Its for the kids.
Anticipated Estimates of 3 projects
$40 + Million for BOE Ridgewood Schools All renovations
$15 Million for VOR Parking Garage bonded by public funds
$5 Million for Ridgewood Library renovations (mix of private / public funds)
$ ? Millions ? Unknown for Performing arts center Building next to library/VOR
Running Total Estimates so far at $60 + MILLION
Estimates are just that, estimates, and tend to go over.
Lots of questions need to be asked about the funding of these Wish Lists projects. Detailed answers to specific financials, the percentages of NJ State funding/ VOR / public funding needed to be appropriated for these projects, as well as the County and NJ Transit in the case for the parking garage with the expected/ projected parking revenues. What would be the time line for all these debts to be paid off, and the breakdown on the taxpayers.
Voters ( ie TAXPAYERS who might plan to stick around for another 10 years ) should just say enough is enough..when family’s don’t have the money / the purchase generally is deferred or minimized, Who are these people to think we are just fools to not see these spending binges as mismanagement,Let them start with proof of wasted current spending and some belt tightening..come back in 2 years to show any efficiencies gained Fat trimmed then talk about spending more taxpayers money,..its out of control,,summer is when all these deals are cut,,taxpayers on the beach These groups are smart when in comes to spending positioning for the periods or voter absence or apathy,.Most of these groups have one foot out the Door and getting out of Dodge..
Here’s a thought.. how about re-opening Glenn school. It was closed for declining enrollment.. yeah right. I guess they don’t want to lose the rental income.
‘Here’s a thought.. how about re-opening Glenn school’ Yes the BOED could do that after they refurbish it hire all new teachers and administration all at taxpayers expense. What would thing the total cost to us would be?
Yeah, stop wasting money on heating and cooling the schools.