Letter to the Editor: A Necessary Solution
Ways & Means Chair Doug Davison shares his perspective that the proposed addition-renovation at Burlington High School is the best most cost-effective.
I am the Ways and Means representative on the Burlington High School Building Committee. The problem is clear and not a surprise. We have a sixty year old building with mechanical systems designed to last 60 years. We must replace them. There are other needs such as functioning science labs that do not have a timeline. We cannot responsibly push the heating, electrical, and plumbing systems any further down the road.
After 13 separate applications to the Massachusetts School Building Authority, they will not be helping with this projectās cost. It is important that we look at the most cost effective solutions. I went into the process 2.5 years ago with the objective of doing as little to the building as possible. Unfortunately there are building requirements, based on the dollar value of work done and the percent of the building which must be touched, that mandate bringing the entire building to current building codes. This includes a fire suppression system and significant changes to make the building compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Despite what some are saying, there is no "work aroundā when it comes to accessibility or fire safety in a public school in Massachusetts, nor should there be.
We studied this for 2.5 years and spent $1.5 million to hire engineers, architects and other experts in school renovation and construction to take a hard look at the costs involved. We used an independent cost estimator to challenge the estimates. The most cost effective solution is to renovate two large areas of the building while demolishing the center section and replace it with new construction. This proposal only replaces sections of the building that would cost more to renovate than to build new. We are keeping as much of the current building as is economically sound. It solves the original problem and brings the entire facility up to current fire suppression and accessibility standards.
I understand why the price tag and timing could sway someone to vote no. However, the problem is not going away. This is a vote to replace mechanical systems that are at end of life. There are many other benefits, including making the high school accessible and more safe. This is the most cost effective way to replace systems that have been well maintained but will inevitably fail. If we vote this down, we will need to spend another $1.5 million to hire different experts, telling them to find a solution other than the 15 solutions the current consultants proposed. We know the problem. Not liking the solution does not mean it isnāt the best solution to the problem.
Doug Davison
Chair, Ways and Means Committee
6 Birch St.
