Design schedule holds if notice to proceed issued by late October, consultants say

Mark Schweitzer reviewed the project's schedule and the implications of advancing from schematic design (SD) to design development (DD). He said the team ran the schedule backward from substantial completion and concluded that, if the committee issues a notice to proceed by late October (around Oct. 27–Nov. 1), the design and construction durations could remain unchanged and the project could reach substantial completion in mid‑June with occupancy for August 2029.

"I got it at June 15," Mark said when identifying the anticipated substantial‑completion date. Committee members stressed they still need a complete and final set of schematic designs (a legal deliverable) and that the designers must incorporate value‑management items before the committee can legally vote to advance phases. Presenters said they could catch up on some value‑management tasks but preferred clear direction to avoid repeated stop‑start on design work.

The committee agreed to use the Oct. 7 meeting with the board of selectmen as a key decision point and asked consultants to provide colored 11x17 handouts (floor and site plans) for the Oct. 6 committee meeting and backup materials to post for the public prior to selectmen review.