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The committee also announced its recommendation of new bleachers, stadium lights and track fencing, which, along with the turf field, will have a price tag of $2.4 million, according to estimates provided by Gale Associates, the engineering firm that completed Phase One of the feasibility study.
Tuesday night, the Region 9 Board of Education approved Phase Two, in which Gale Associates will proceed with design and construction plans that will allow the board to put the plan up for town approval this spring.
Chris Hocker, chairman of the Financial Advisory Committee, said the group approved the four stadium improvements while tentatively holding off on parking lot upgrades and new restrooms.
Susanne Krivit, a local resident, objected to the priorities. “When you walk into the stadium, you don’t have a good impression," she said. "The parking lot is dilapidated and I can’t imagine spending $2.4 million and still walking into an ugly entrance. We need curb appeal.”
Hocker responded by saying a new parking lot could be added for an additional $271,300. Eric Roise, Gale Associates project manager, said it would include 107 spaces including handicapped parking facilities.
Roise said Phase Two would be completed by early February, which will give the board the chance to prepare a proposal for a spring referendum vote.
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