BRUNSWICK
Despite missing the deadline for the November general election, plans are moving forward for a June 13, 2017 referendum regarding construction of a new elementary school on the site of the now-defunct Jordan Acres School.
PDT Architects Principal Lyndon Keck said he wants to present updated plans to educators next month.
One issue with using the Jordan Acres site is size. Not only would the expansive fields around the school be swallowed up by the new building, but Keck pointed out that current zoning ordinances only allow for a 5,000 square foot building on that site with a new school planned closer to 90,000 square feet.
During a recent meeting with the school board, Keck recommended that the school department begin community outreach in September after final plans are locked down.
“You’re really going to need a major effort to communicate why you need the project and what’s involved in the project if you’re hoping to have a successful referendum,” Keck said.
Keck further recommended an open house with community members within the Jordan Acres area in order to hear their input.
Keck said town- owned land adjacent to the site running along the river could be used to solve zoning density issues as well as provide possible stormwater management solutions.
Although the grounds will be adequate for playgrounds, they are not suited for playing fields. Keck said he hopes that Edward’s Field would be made available for athletics and gym classes.
Under consideration is a geothermal system, slightly different than one used at Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary. Another option Keck presented would be a natural gas system with full heat and partial air conditioning.
The big difference between the systems comes down to cost, with natural gas coming in at about $25 per square foot and the geothermal at $ 31.50 per square foot. That’s not counting an additional $700,000 for the geothermal bore field.
Keck said they are currently working on energy modeling on the building plans to determine long term pay off on each system.
Keck echoed former Facilities Director Paul Caron, saying geothermal provides the greatest payback when a school is used in the summer. With the many summer programs the district supports, the building would likely be utilized throughout the summer.
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