Camillo outlines Havemeyer building repurpose plan and a $5 million pledge; Byram marina opening delayed

First Selectman Fred Camillo told the Board of Selectmen on April 23 that the town has placed funding in the budget to repurpose the Havemeyer Building and to construct an additional structure behind it to meet the Board of Education's space needs.

Camillo said the existing building is 53,000 square feet while the Board of Education needs about 19,000 square feet; refurbishing the whole structure, he said, could cost "probably conservatively $40,000,000, probably a lot more," while other estimates for the full redo were cited around $26,000,000 to $30,000,000 by the time work is finished.

Camillo said a local resident has pledged $5,000,000 to support repurposing the building provided an auditorium remains available for public use, and that a private-sector firm previously proposed a rooftop hotel/bar had expressed interest in refurbishing the auditorium for public access.

On the Byram marina, town staff reported that work on a ramp was delayed by the winter and concrete pours; the town arranged temporary use of Grass Island for residents who need to launch boats, and staff said they are hopeful Byram will be complete by May 15.

Camillo said town officials are "aligned" on the project goal and that staff are working to preserve views and parking while identifying financing and parking solutions. He asked for public- and stakeholder-engagement as plans advance.

The board did not take a final vote on a contract or budget authorization on April 23; Camillo said the item is in the proposed budget and staff will continue to refine parking, programming and financing details.