Norwood is one step closer to an ice hockey rink at the Coakley Middle School.
The town has engaged DiLullo Associates for the schematic design and construction support, with contracts administrator Cathy Carney confirming a payment of $340,000 for their services.
“We currently have $500,000 in funding for the owner’s project manager (Southgate Consulting) and the designer,” Carney noted. “However, we are still waiting for the remaining $5.1 million needed for construction.”
This funding is part of a $5.6 million state allocation for the rink’s design and construction, but the town has not yet accessed the full amount.
“We’re facing challenges in accessing those funds. While it’s included in the bond bill, we can’t access all of it just yet,” said General Manager John Carroll. “We’re working to resolve this in the coming weeks.”
Despite the funding issues, DiLullo will begin designing the rink and coordinating with various town boards, including the Conservation Commission, the Planning Board for site plan reviews, the Board of Selectmen, and the South Norwood Committee.
State Rep. John Rogers, D-Norwood, secured $5.6 million in funding for the project in the summer of 2012. This amount will cover construction costs, enhanced parking at the middle school, relocation of the tennis courts, and the installation of a traffic light at the intersection of Washington Street and Short Street. The project received approval from the Norwood Town Meeting in May 2013.
There is potential for additional funding. “Senator (Mike) Rush and I have secured an extra $3.5 million for the rink, the tennis courts, and public safety upgrades at the intersection,” Rogers stated. “This could raise our funding to between $5.1 million and $8.6 million, allowing for improved tennis courts and a better ice rink than we originally planned.”
The additional funds will also benefit DiLullo by providing more accurate cost estimates and giving contractors a clearer figure for bidding, according to Rogers.
(All articles originally published in the Norwood Messenger)