Parsippany‑Troy Hills board reviews Littleton Elementary Phase 2; construction to start June 2026

Parson Architects presented the schematic design and schedule for Littleton ElementaryElementary SchoolPhase 2, which the district bid and awarded in early 2026.

"Phase 2 is a 9,200 square‑foot addition," said John Carton, a partner with Parson Architects, describing seven new pre‑K classrooms, one SGI room, electrical upgrades, replacement of fire‑alarm devices and a 31‑stall parking‑lot expansion. Carton and associate Rachel Sunquist said construction will begin after the 2026 school year, with substantial completion targeted for July 2027 and classrooms ready for September 2027.

Why it matters: the addition is intended to address the district's pre‑K capacity needs and relieve crowding while preserving core programming. Carton noted Phase 1 (about 9,600 sq ft) was substantially complete in October 2024 and is occupied for the 2025–26 school year.

Board members pressed the architects and administration on construction risks. "In Phase 1 we did hit large boulders," the architect acknowledged, and said the team had taken additional probes in the footprint and stormwater areas but that probing cannot reveal everything until excavation begins. The board heard that, while extra precautions were taken, unknown subsurface conditions could still affect schedule.

Members also asked about a pending letter tied to emergency radio communications. The administration said the township must issue an FCC‑related letter needed by the contractor for antenna/fire‑department communications; the district is waiting for that authorization for final coordination.

Traffic, parking and field use drew sustained questions. The planning documents place added parking at the rear of the site; Mr. Staple, the school principal, said he has been involved in phasing and is "satisfied that this flow and the design will meet the requirements of the additional students given the limitations of the property." Officials said construction deliveries will be managed to avoid peak drop‑off and pick‑up times.

Architects presented phases 3 and 4 as planning options, not adopted plans: an optional high‑school‑sized gym or a smaller elementary gym, and a potential second‑floor classroom addition that would add roughly 13 classrooms if the board later authorizes further work.

What comes next: the district will proceed with the awarded Phase 2 contract and begin site and foundation work in June 2026, subject to utilities clearances and subsurface conditions. The administration and contractor will continue coordination on the FCC/township letter and traffic/athletic‑field accommodations.