This $317.5 million project involves the construction of a new 383,000 square foot NEMT for 1,600 students on the existing campus hillside and eventual replacement of the existing school with new athletic fields and parking. Below are some frequently asked questions:
Summer 2023 FAQs
Will there be a meeting to review the upcoming blasting plan for the NEMT project?
The blasting presentation occurred on 09/28 at 7pm via zoom, see attached presentation below for content discussed. As a reminder, to be on the Pre-Blast Notification calls (or text and email!) , please contact Esta Falvey, Maine Drilling & Blasting, at 508-478-0273.
Opponents of the project are claiming that there is a $40,000,000+ blasting premium associated with the selected option (Option C.3). Is that accurate?
No. The estimated site cost in its totality is just shy of $35,000,000. Aside from blasting, this includes the following scope. (Note many, if not all of these costs would be required for any location chosen): site utilities and drainage, temporary office setup, temporary construction fencing, dust control, soil erosion and sediment control, environmental protection, site clearing, asphalt removal, curb removal, earthwork, grading, structural support of excavations, excavation, backfilling and compaction, traffic control, foundation, and slab excavations, foundation and under-slab drainage, roadway stabilization course, site signage, retaining walls, site furnishings, exterior steps, sports fields, bleachers, scoreboards, demolition of site utilities, sidewalks, curbing, invasive species management, rip rap slopes, paving, etc.
A premium for blasting associated with Option C.3 alone is undetermined because other studied options would have required some form of blasting or additional sitework costs not required for Option C.3.Ledge outcroppings are visible throughout the entire project site inclusive of the football and baseball fields. We also note that the Conservation Commission directed a change in the driveway location that resulted in additional blasting.
It appears the new driveway location is causing the most discussion at the Conservation Commission concerning wetlands protection. Why is the District building a new driveway? Can’t you just reuse Hemlock Road?
The new driveway was required by the Town of Wakefield as a second means of access and egress to relieve some of the traffic burden that is being experienced by the NEMT and Wakefield High School shared use of the intersection of Hemlock Road and Farm Street. The Town of Wakefield also required the existing water main serving the school be looped from Hemlock to Farm Street to increase water pressure in the area.
As stated in another Q&A response: Our host community is currently planning a new High School with an increased population. Local Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) have stated through the planning process that the current intersection at Hemlock Rd. and Farm St. is unsafe and to add more cars from the NEMT project and the new Wakefield high School would only make it more difficult for pick up, drop-off, Police, Fire and other emergency responders.
It has been stated by several people attending the Conservation Commission meetings and members themselves that the new NEMT will cause flooding in the area. Is this true?
No, this is not true. Detailed stormwater and drainage analysis were performed for the project and reviewed by BSC, a consultant to the Wakefield Conservation Commission (paid for by the NEMT), as well as the Town Engineer. Many changes were incorporated to the design of the drainage and stormwater system at the request and direction of the Town Engineer and consultant. The Town currently has known drainage issues on Farm St. and through easements running through June and Stone Circle. The Town has discussed an ongoing improvement program under early development to address these known issues.
Site & Planning
Will students be at school when blasting?
The project team anticipates that some blasting will occur while students will be in school; however, there will be various safety measures implemented and a plan has to be approved by the Wakefield Fire Department prior to any blasting that occurs on site. While a blasting subcontractor has not yet been awarded, standard practices have been provided below from the Construction Manager, Gilbane Building Company that will be implemented as a minimum as part of the blasting plan submitted to the Wakefield Fire Department:
- The blasting contractor will be fully licensed and have plenty of experience working around schools.
- All blasting activities will strictly follow the blasting plan that is developed specifically for this project and submitted/approved by the Town of Wakefield Fire Department.
- Within the approved plan will be a daily blasting schedule and rigid notification procedures for commencing with blasting. Both of these will be coordinated with NEMT School officials in advance.
- All blasting activities will be monitored for vibration in real time. Vibrations will be tracked against universal standards in the industry using benchmark criteria created by the US Bureau of Mines. The blasting approach included in the Blasting Plan, will be designed to produce vibrations that fall within these accepted limits.
- All blasting activities will be fully controlled with blasting mats and within fenced off areas.
Could you please provide an accurate AND realistic photo rendering of the new school upper campus taken from the lower campus elevation that clearly shows all stairs, boardwalks and cliff faces? I am very concerned that all existing proposed new school artistic renderings I have seen do not clearly show the major elevation changes and do not accurately reflect what the end result will look like from lower campus looking to upper campus.
Please see Figure 1 below which displays a cross section view of the building and lower level. The elevation change between the East side of the building (pictured on the right below) and the lower parking lot is roughly (60) feet. This is often perceived as “vertical drop”; however, the change in grade is over several hundred feet creating a more gradual incline as displayed in the image below. All accessways will be designed and constructed to meet code. Figure 2 is a rendering showing the view from the proposed football field (location of the existing high school) to the new building.
Figure 1:
Figure 2:
Opponents of the project are falsely claiming that the single means of handicap egress to the new school involves traversing a lengthy nature boardwalk. Opponents are also stating that the elevation difference between the upper lot and lower lot will make it difficult for students and those with physical disabilities to navigate.
The ADA nature boardwalk extending from the locker building at the student parking lot to the East entrance of the new school is not the only method of handicap egress. There are ADA parking spaces available for students, staff, and visitors dispersed around the main entrances of the building along the North, South, and West sides. School buses and parents will also be able to drop students off at the main entrance of the building if needed.
Below is a link to the Evaluation of Existing Conditions Report that was developed for the Preliminary Design Program (PDP) submission to the MSBA. The report can also be found in the “Documents” tab within the PDP folder under section 3.14a. Within this report you will find that the existing NEMT High School building is littered with accessibility issues including: no accessible routes to several areas within the building and on site (playing fields, second floor, basement, interior courtyards, etc.), interior and exterior ramps are not ADA compliant, etc. Students and faculty are currently navigating an elevation change of roughly (52) feet from the existing football field to the practice field via non-ADA compliant accessways. The new NEMT is proposing a (60) foot elevation change from the lower lot to the upper lot and all accessways will be designed and constructed to meet code.
Preliminary Design Project – Evaluation of Existing Conditions Report
How will visitors access Breakheart reservation from Farm Street side. (Based on diagram it appears all access is blocked?)
As discussed at many public meetings, the project team and school administration have been coordinating with the DCR and Breakheart Reservation since the beginning of the design process. We can find no drawing that shows Breakheart Reservation being blocked. We also address access to Breakheart reservation in one of the most recent FAQ’s posted on the project website. The current public Breakheart access gate will be maintained in the same location and open during construction. Dedicated spots (double the current amount) are being marked for Breakheart parking during the day. The project team continues to work with the DCR and Breakheart representatives to provide for more public parking after school hours. As you can imagine, student safety is being taken into account as we finalize any parking plans.
Will parents be able to drop off at the lower parking lot?
All questions related to operation of the new school should be asked to school District directly; however, the project team will point out that parents will be able to drop students off directly at the new school building. Project engineers and planners have developed a drop off and pick up for loop school buses that takes into account the parent drop off.
Statement: The project is eliminating access to the Wakefield / School entrance to DCR parking and the entrance.
Response: This is not true. The project has been collaborating with the DCR and Operators of the Breakheart reservation since the early design phases. The existing public access point to the reservation is being maintained, and the public dedicated parking spaces are being doubled. Additionally, the project is working with Breakheart Reservation staff to provide as much off-school-hour parking as possible.
But why not just buy the private property and improve the road?
First, the land is privately owned, and the District would need a willing seller. Second, the connector residential road is under the control of the Town of Wakefield. Finally, the MSBA does not allow grant money to be used for off-site improvements or land takings, and the extended timing associated would introduce further cost escalation beyond the already approved project budget.
How close will the new NEMT building be to the abutters at June Circle and will the building be clearly visible?
Please see Figure 3 below which provides a plan and section view detailing the distance between June Circle and the new NEMT building. As indicated, the new NEMT will be set back roughly 740 feet (250 yards) from the closest June Circle abutter’s property line and will be separated by both existing and new trees scheduled to be installed as part of the construction project. As represented within the section view below, the height of the existing trees surrounding the new building exceed the height of the new building providing suitable coverage.
Where will the new school be located?
See the graphic below. The new school will be located on the same site as the existing school and will also have a new dedicated vehicle entrance.
Design
Will a hockey arena will be built on the property?
A hockey arena will not be built on the property.
Why is the replacement Northeast Metro Tech vocational school going against the recommendation of the pre-feasibility study which recommended building in existing open space next to the current school (Dore & Whittier Report).
The D&W report was completed prior to the NEMT District’s acceptance into the MSBA Grant Program. After failing to gain the support of the MSBA for several years, the District sought the assistance of D&W to help improve their MSBA Statement of Interest (SOI) which when accepted, begins the MSBA Funding Assistance process. The report is titled “Pre-feasibility Study: Existing Conditions Investigation and Educational Visioning Report” and the purpose was just that of the title – a high level conditions assessment. Rudimentary sketches and ideas were put forth for locations that did not consider the new MSBA and DESE Chapter 70 required programs, which were not defined. The location noted by the opponents to the project would not accommodate the new school and required layout for shops and associated academic spaces. The location was also bound by larger environmental issues such as proximity to wetland, two rivers, and no access to an alternate driveway.
Is it true that the proposed new building site has been moved to a location that will require the removal of many trees, blasting of rock to make the site usable, and the creation of access to the school that will be onerous to community members with physical disabilities? Why has the location been moved from the feasibility study location? Is it true that the change of location will shuffle construction costs leading to reduced facility features? Please consider that the removal of natural vegetation is a negative and we would prefer a plan that can maximize the school facilities
No, it is not true. Please see our project website where over two years’ worth of Feasibility, Schematic and Design Development documents are available. The process is clearly outlined with supporting documentation. Also, we have address the question multiple times in public meetings and have included even more details under the FAQ tab on our website.
How many sets of stairs will be required to access the lower parking lot to the building?
While there is no requirement for a number of sets of stairs, two travel paths are provided from the lower lot. Please note there are also over 215 parking spots adjacent to the new school with ADA parking spots located at the North, South, and West sides adjacent to the building entrances as well as ADA parking spaces at the lower parking level.
What is the approximate length and width of the boardwalk that will be built?
The proposed boardwalk is compliant with the ADA requirements and is approximately (8) feet wide and (735) feet long with a grade change of roughly (44) feet. As described in a previous FAQ, the boardwalk has been designed to minimize impact to these wooded areas (lays on top of ground) and was designed in a pattern that takes you through a wooded area as opposed to a traditional serpentine pattern concrete ramp that would has long runs and crisscrossed up the slope. Building the raised boardwalk will allow for less tree removal and blasting. The proposed boardwalk length and slope change may seem drastic at first glance; however, the following existing conditions should be considered as a reference:
- The distance between the existing NEMT main entrance and existing football field is approximately (720) feet and the slope change is roughly (35) feet.
- The existing pathways to the football field are not ADA compliant making the travel path much more difficult.
- NEMT students currently travel approximately (1,055) feet from the existing main entrance to the rear playing fields.
At which MSBA Board meeting did the vote occur approving option C.3 as the District's Preferred Schematic? On 2/12/21, MSBA issued a press release stating only
The MSBA Board of Directors approved the PSR at the 2/11/21 meeting, including the New Construction Option C.3 (Hillside). The MSBA Board of Directors approved the Schematic Design & Project Scope & Budget at the 8/25/21 meeting.
What types of trees or other landscaping features are being proposed? Will they be native species?
The Design Development package previously submitted to the MSBA and posted on the NEMT project website under the “Documents” tab includes a preliminary plant list proposed by the design team. When reviewing the plant list, it may be helpful to reference the landscaping drawings (also included in the Documents tab under Design Development) for locations of plantings. As the site/landscaping plans continue to develop, the design team will refine this list and include in future MSBA submissions.
Why wouldn’t the Dore & Whittier pre-feasibility report used to determine the location of the new school?
Dore & Whittier was not selected by the District/MSBA to be the project designers of the new school. Through a collaborative and public process, DRA Architects was chosen by the District/MSBA to design the new school in accordance with MSBA Designer Selection procedures. While the D&W report contained valuable information on the current condition of the school and deficiencies, it did not come close to meeting the requirements of the MSBA Feasibility Study analysis. The new school option, chosen by the District and approved by the MSBA over a series of three (3) MSBA design package submissions (Preliminary Design Program, Preferred Schematic Report, and Schematic Design packages), took over two years of planning and collaboration with engineers, architects, school & District leaders, educational professionals, and teachers to complete.
How are you allowed to build on and encroach on Breakheart Reservation (DCR) property?
The new project is not building on any DCR land. According to online sources, Breakheart Reservation is comprised of over 650 acres of reservation land. When the Northeast Vocational School was formed back in the 1960s, a portion of land was conveyed to the new District for future school purposes.
Figure 1 below from the Massachusetts Acts and Resolves, 1965 – Chap 738 directs the sale of land located in Breakheart Reservation from the Metropolitan District Commission to the Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocation School District for the purpose of constructing and maintaining a regional vocational school and necessary facilities. The project is preserving all buffers, driveways, and emergency access to/from Breakheart. The new school site is also bound on its northern edge (June Circle) by a large, forested area owned by the Town of Wakefield. Trees and ledge will be selectively removed to only accommodate what is needed for the new school and associated programs.
Please see Figure 2 below to show the extent of DCR and Wakefield forest to remain.
FIGURE 1
FIGURE 2
Statement: The parking lot is too far away and not ADA or handicapped accessible.
Response: While there is a large grade change from the lower playing field to the new school, fully handicapped accessible routes will be provided as well as a staircase to the upper parking lots. There will be adequate ADA/HP parking around the school to accommodate those in need. The accessible route will include a raised boardwalk through the wooded area that is designed to preserve some of the natural features of the area.
Statement: The project is marching forward with no state, local or environmental oversight.
Response: This is not true. Project opponents have been aware of each and every step undertaken for local and state approval processes. They have contacted both the MSBA and State Officials directly at each step of the way. They have also taken the unusual step of being on the school property while engineering investigations, such as test pits, have taken place. The project also submitted and received a wetlands delineation from the Wakefield Conservation Commission over a year ago. The process took several months and was conducted in public over (6) meetings. The project will continue to work collaboratively and cooperatively with the Wakefield Conservation Commission and Engineering Departments as project planning continues. An environmental Notice of Intent was filed with the Wakefield Conservation Commission the week of September 19, 2022. This will trigger several public meetings and site visits in the upcoming months.
If you built behind the old school, would you still need a driveway?
As we have documented and over the past two years, the land behind the school, on the baseball field and the old football stadium are not sufficient to accommodate the new school program and its necessary ground floor shops. Even if the school were to go in one of the locations noted, there will still be a need for a new driveway exiting onto upper Farm St. as it is currently planned. Our host community is currently planning a new High School with an increased population. Local Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) have stated through the planning process that the current intersection at Hemlock Rd. and Farm St. is unsafe and to add more cars from the NEMT project and the new Wakefield high School would only make it more difficult for pick up, drop-off, Police, Fire and other emergency responders.
But can’t you still build the driveway to exit behind the current school and create a new driveway from Water Street and avoid wetlands?
No, Please refer to Figure 2 below where you will see that the NEMT District does not own land that connects through to Water Street. The land is privately owned and would also require connection to a small residential road that could not accommodate increased traffic.
Why did you choose the current new school location if the MSBA is only granting up to 8% for site work?
All MSBA projects are subject to an 8% site cost cap (limiting eligible site costs to 8% of direct building costs) along with other statutory caps and exclusions. As such, this 8% site cap is typically exploited by project opponents throughout the state. The District and School Building Committee selected the preferred option based on many criteria, including cost and long-term value of dollars spent. The selected option provided the best opportunity for educational delivery in accordance with the District’s Education Plan as agreed upon by the MSBA, provided the best long-term value by limiting temporary costs, and involved the least amount of disruption to the existing school which will remain in operation throughout construction. Another example of MSBA-ineligible costs is Legal Expenses; these are categorically not reimbursable by the MSBA. The added cost for lawyers to answer the opponents previously decided issues comes directly out of the project budget and is not reimbursed by the MSBA. The construction industry, along with many other sectors of the economy are being drastically affected by current market conditions, inflation, and cost escalation. Every dollar not spent on lawyers and other ineligible items helps to preserve the project budget.
How/why was the new school construction option chosen?
- Options were evaluated by the SBC for their ability to satisfy the following key criteria:
- Ability to accommodate educational delivery plan
- Cost versus MBSA reimbursement and long-term value
- Disruption to existing school’s operations
- Flexibility of design to allow for change in the future / expansion potential
- Final site layout: site access, vehicular circulation, safety & security
- Operating costs/maintenance
- The selected option was found to be most advantageous in all key criteria established above.
Aside from providing a brand new, 21st century building, what are some other benefits of the project?
- Increased student enrollment
- Development of career clusters throughout the building design to maximize building efficiency
- Incorporation of an auditorium – provides opportunity for multidisciplinary work between shops
- Increased safety
- Improved traffic flow
- New technology/equipment
- New educational programs
- Full-sized gym
- Outdoor learning opportunities
- Dedicated public service entrance incorporated with outdoor dining area
- New athletic fields
Will enrollment at the new school increase?
Yes, enrollment will increase by approximately 320 students versus the current FY21 enrollment. This is a major benefit of the project, as the District currently rejects more Freshman applications than they accept due to space limitations.
How “green” will this new school be?
The new school will be LEED-Silver+ certified.
Environmental
Could you please give an estimated number of all trees to be removed for all proposed construction activities. Please include all trees to be removed for: site preparation, construction access, utilities, roadway construction, storm water management preparation - including chamber and swale installation, athletic fields, walkways, outbuildings, elevator, all school and athletics related buildings and parking areas
During the Wakefield Conservation Commission Meeting on 10/18/22, the NEMT project team provided an estimate for the number of trees that may be impacted within the buffer zone disturbance areas. The project team noted that within the overall buffer zone disturbance area “approximately 260 trees would be impacted.”
What is the plan for the trees that are coming down in the process? Will that wood be repurposed / potentially used for the school or carpentry program?
Yes, the District has purchased a sawmill to repurpose a portion of the logs removed during the clearing operation into useable lumber. The school is currently evaluating how they can use the lumber to benefit the community, such as student projects for the carpentry program in Breakheart.
Why were no environmental impacts were considered when locating the school? Why wasn’t a MEPA review conducted?
The project team includes registered professional engineers disciplined in site, civil, geotechnical, and environmental engineering as well as a Protected species Specialist, Wetlands Specialist, and Vernal Pond experts. During the initial MSBA phases, the project team was required to affirm that no MEPA environmental triggers were met. After two years of planning and a vote of all twelve (12) member communities to approve and support the project, a group formed to oppose the project and asked MEPA to issue an advisory opinion as to whether the project meets the criteria for a MEPA review to be required. MEPA conducted a review period in which they solicited comments from public and the project team, and ultimately concluded that no additional environmental reviews were required.
How are you allowed to go in and remove any trees you want and blast the hillside?
Please note that the project only intends to remove rock and trees that are necessary to accommodate the new school and associated fields and parking. The property for the new school is being built on private (School District owned) land. In January 2023, the opponents group sent to MEPA a submission titled “Petition for Fail-Safe Review and Project Changes that Exceed Review Thresholds” that was signed by ten individuals as follows: Christine L. Rioux; Linda Ireland; Karen Johnson; Paul Rybicki; Bob Brooks; Bronywn Della-Volpe; Sasha Simone; Robin Bergman; Brian Thomson; and Lee Farrington. This submission (1) sought MEPA review of the project under fail-safe provisions of 301 CMR 11.04, (2) asserted that changes to the drawings since May 2022 now trigger MEPA thresholds, and (3) expressed disagreement with MEPA’s May 2022 ruling. Fail-safe review applies to projects that do not meet or exceed any MEPA review thresholds, so 1-3 above contradict one another. In summary, in their March 2023 ruling, MEPA found that the Project still does not meet or exceed any MEPA review thresholds, and that fail-safe review is not warranted under 301 CMR 11.04.
Why are the powers that be supporting a plan that is more expensive, more disruptive, and more damaging?
Editorials and posts to social media from the Save the Forest, Build the Voke group have repeatedly contained such egregious falsehoods that responses are required to correct the misinformation related to the location of the building site.
First, the oppositions groups have grown from the typical statement of “not in my backyard” to the special grandstanding and personal feelings of special interest groups. Opponents continue to advocate for a new school on a different site which is simply not feasible.
The District has partnered with the MSBA to gain site, educational planning, and funding approval utilizing the same process that every other school seeking MSBA funding must follow. This process was public, and the project team/District have conducted and attended over one hundred meetings, presentations, hearings and participation in boards and commissions meetings.
The MSBA will not allow the District to reject years’ worth of planning, design and validation for substandard sites with equally challenging environmental tasks. Both alternative sites did not undergo the detailed analysis that the approved location did and certainly would have included much more blasting, environmental impacts to not only non-jurisdictional wetlands but also streams, rivers and wetlands. The sites advocated by the special interest groups have been grossly underestimated and partly based off a pre-feasibility study which includes preliminary design sketches and ideas that were only intended to be used to assist with the development of the District’s Statement of Interest (SOI) to the MSBA. This study was performed prior to the District’s acceptance into the MSBA’s core program and is not related to the approved project.
The C.3 site option selected most closely followed the Educational Program of any of the site options evaluated during the Feasibility Phase. The proposed layout, adjacencies, and building configuration achieved the District’s educational goals and vision. The location of the new school also allows for construction to occur with the least amount of disruption to the existing school of any option and allows for additional athletic fields. The C.3 hilltop option has undergone 2.5 years of design and planning and has cost our member communities $11,000,000 to date, this is the only site option.
The District and project team have proactively taken measures to preserve undisturbed woodlands on the project site to the maximum extent possible. The overall footprint of the school was reduced and an additional floor was added in order to provide more circulation around the building for safety which resulted in the removal of less trees and ledge. The project team have also worked closely with the Conservation Commission for alignment of the driveway and to reduce the width to minimize the impacts to both trees and wetlands. Also, an accessible ramp that traverses from the athletic campus/lower parking lot to the school building/upper parking lot has been included in the project reducing the tree removal and blasting scope of work.
Additionally, the proposed driveway has undergone extensive review by the Wakefield Conservation Commission and their third-party experts in cooperation with project designers and engineers. The driveway has been deemed a necessity by Wakefield representatives and will provide much needed relief on the current traffic flow issues at the bottom of Hemlock Road and the existing Wakefield High School. It has also been remarked in public meetings by Wakefield officials that the relief in which the NEMT project is seeking through the Conservation Commission is not uncommon and has been approved on other Town projects.
The continued misinformation and claims by project opponents is putting one of the largest MSBA grants ever approved in jeopardy and hindering construction mobilization which is critical to avoid further economic and supply chain issues along with extreme cost escalation experienced throughout the country.
NEMT’s student population is one of the most diverse throughout the state. Any further delay will deprive generations of students from (12) communities the ability to seek an alternate to unaffordable college costs and deny many of them with the opportunity to become leaders in their vocational fields. The District and project team are supporting this plan as it is the one and only feasible project, which will undoubtedly provide education and opportunities for generations of students to come.
Cost & Schedule
How much will the new school cost and will it impact my taxes?
Estimated total project cost: $317,422,620
Maximum MSBA grant: $140,851,919
Potential District share: $176,570,701
For the District’s share, each City/Town will pay the same cost per student based on enrollment which is assessed yearly.
Please contact your Town or City directly for more information on potential tax impacts.
The total additional amount of MSBA funding approved via the Commonwealth’s FY 24 budget in 2023 is TBD.
What is the MSBA and how much grant money have they approved for the NEMT project?
The Massachusetts School Building Authority (“MSBA”) is a quasi-independent government authority created to reform the process of funding capital improvement projects in the Commonwealth’s public schools. The MSBA receives hundreds of applications for funding assistance from cities and towns across the commonwealth yearly and is only able to select a handful of school projects who appear to have the highest need. The MSBA strives to work with local communities to create affordable, sustainable, and energy efficient schools across Massachusetts. Learn more on the MSBA’s website here https://www.massschoolbuildings.org/.
The Maximum MSBA Grant for this project is $140,851,919.
The total additional amount of MSBA funding approved via the Commonwealth’s FY 24 budget in 2023 is TBD.
When will construction start?
Please note the following construction timeline is preliminary. The current preliminary plan is for students to be able to use the facility in the 2026-2027 school year, and the future athletic complex will be complete in late 2027 at the latest.
What is the estimated completion date of the new NEMT?
All construction timelines are preliminary and subject to change based on timing of securing local funding and advice of the selected Construction Manager Gilbane Building Company. The current preliminary plan is for students to be able to use the facility in the 2025-2026 school year, and the future athletic complex will be complete for the 2027 Fall sports season at the latest.
Additional MSBA funding approved in 2023 is not factored into the above
I am a Wakefield homeowner. What is Wakefield's portion of the cost of the new school and how is my town covering that cost?
The Town of Wakefield’s estimated share of the new Northeast Metro Tech High School Project is approximately $24,779,283. This amount will be reduced to the extent of the MSBA grants received by the District, resulting in an estimated net share to the Town of Wakefield of approximately $13,783,817. As it relates to payment of Wakefield’s share of the project cost, we recommend that you reach out to your local town officials for further information on the specific cost impacts to Wakefield residents.
Misc.
Where are the meeting minutes and videos located for review? The FAQ says the building committee meets once a month but there are only three sets of minutes so far for 2022 and no videos of any meetings.
The school committee meets once a month however the building committee meets on an as needed basis (majority of project meetings are design-specific with particular user groups as design evolves). The agendas and minutes for the building committee meetings have been uploaded to the project website under the “Documents” heading and then the “Meeting Minutes, Agendas & Presentations” subheading. These meetings were held in person at the existing school library and were not recorded. The next meeting will likely take place in November.
Please address the forest fires. How will you ensure students are not impacted and are safe if there are forest fires like the ones Breakheart had this summer?
The school has been in operation for over (60) years surrounded on all sides by Wakefield and DCR owned land/trees. As documented in the MSBA Feasibility study, the current school has no means of secondary access to the building for emergency responders. The existing building does not have a fire suppression system, the water pressure is low and there is no fire pump. The new school plans call for a fully sprinklered fire suppression and alarm system. The water main that currently dead ends on the property will be looped through to Farm St and increase water pressure and reliability for both the school and the Wakefield Fire Department. The project team is coordinating the location of all fire hydrants with the WFD and also the DCR to provide enhanced protection. The new driveway will also improve emergency responder access to the new building as the current Hemlock Rd is shared by both NEMT and Wakefield High School resulting in major traffic and congestion during drop off and pick up creating an obvious issue for getting fire trucks to the sight.
Will construction of the new high school or demolition of the current high school building pose any impact to student’s classroom experience?
Disruption to the existing school’s operations was one of the key criteria considered in selecting the project’s construction option during the Feasibility Study phase. The selected option involved minimal disruption to the existing school with creation of a new access road for construction vehicles only (during construction), and the furthest physical distance from the existing school among the options considered. The project team hopes to be able to perform all or most of the potentially disruptive work during the summers of 2022 and 2023.
What will be the hours of construction?
Hours of construction will typically be from 7:00am-3:30pm which is in accordance with the town of Wakefield’s requirements of 7:00am-7:00pm Monday-Saturday. No work will be permissible to occur on Sunday without prior approval from the town of Wakefield. The project team will consider adding blackout hours for deliveries during school pickup and drop-off hours in order to further minimalize disruption to school operations.
What’s wrong with the existing school?
The existing school is drastically undersized and outdated with myriad structural, mechanical, and code compliance issues. The NEMT School District currently rejects more Freshman applicants than they accept, and a new school will allow enrollment to grow by approximately 320 students and help incorporate new 21st century lab spaces.
The following graphics show a space analysis that was performed by project Architect DRA on the existing building. Spaces identified in red or yellow (most shops and academic spaces) are well-below MSBA/DESE standards. Spaces at the existing school such as the Media Center have had to be repurposed to conference room due to lack of suitable space. Further, the school is forced to decline over half of their student applicants yearly due to lack of space. . For more details, please refer to the Feasibility Study MSBA Submittals (PDP/PSR/SD) for detailed evaluations of existing conditions that was performed in accordance with MSBA requirements.
How can the local community keep informed and/or be involved as this project progresses?
- Project website: northeastbuildingproject.com
- Project Facebook Page: facebook.com/newNEMT
- Project Instagram Page: Instagram.com/newNEMT
- Attend School Building Committee meetings
Who is the selected owner’s project manager, architect, and construction manager, and what do they do?
PMA Consultants (PMA) of Braintree, MA was selected as the owner’s project manager (OPM). It is the OPM’s duty to represent the District’s best interests through design, construction, and closeout with the MSBA. The OPM helps to manage the schedule, budget, and communication with project stakeholders. PMA was founded in 1971 and has supported dozens of K-12 school projects across the Commonwealth.
Drummey Roseane Anderson (DRA) of Waltham, MA was selected as the architect. DRA is a nearly 100-year-old architectural firm specializing in the design of educational facilities. They combine creativity, innovative thought, and functional planning to produce environments that achieve educational goals. Their staff of architects, planners, and interior designers are passionate about creating engaging spaces that enhance the way people teach and learn.
Gilbane Building Company (Gilbane) of Boston, MA was selected as the construction manager at-risk. As one of the largest construction management firms in the state, Gilbane is consistently ranked as the number one builder of K-12 education facilities for the past 10 years. Gilbane offers proven best practices to support creating customized, student-centered learning spaces based on our clients’ need for STEAM, vocational-technical, career and technical education, or other specialized curriculum.
If you do not see your question answered above or have any other questions/comments please fill out to the form below or send an email to NortheastMetro@PMAConsultants.com