BET deadlocks 2–2 on $250,000 Havemeyer feasibility appropriation after debate over priorities
May 17, 2026 | Town of Greenwich, Fairfield, Connecticut
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The BET budget committee split evenly on a $250,000 interim appropriation request from the Board of Education to fund feasibility and test‑fit work related to the Havemeyer Building and potential annex behind Town Hall, producing no committee approval.
Dr. Jones, introducing the proposal, said the study would test whether the board of education could relocate administrative staff and repurpose Havemeyer or build an addition behind Town Hall. "I am very excited about this project," Dr. Jones said, describing persistent staff working‑condition problems at Havemeyer and a multi‑year history of study and proposals.
Opponents on the BET urged a more holistic approach. One member said the town should first do a comprehensive town‑hall and facilities utilization study and package that work with ongoing BOE space studies before authorizing funds. "If we think holistically across town hall, the safety complex and whatnot, that feels like something that should be done first," a member said, arguing that the feasibility request may be premature given other capital demands.
Supporters countered that teams cannot begin necessary site work and due diligence without funding: "We have to get started to get started," one BET member said, urging the committee to allocate funds to move the process into the feasibility stage.
After extended discussion about priorities, project leadership and sequencing, the committee recorded a 2–2 vote, which left the request without committee approval. The chair asked the administration to decide whether to place the item on the full BET agenda for Monday; the item will appear as a nonroutine agenda item for further consideration.
Why it matters: the decision affects whether the BOE moves now to test a high‑cost solution (an annex or renovation) or waits for a townwide facilities strategy that could identify alternative, lower‑cost solutions and relocation options for facilities operations. The tie leaves the next step to the administration and the full BET.
What happens next: the administration will determine whether to return the request to the full BET as a nonroutine item on the Monday agenda and the BOE will continue its space‑needs work.
Dr. Jones, introducing the proposal, said the study would test whether the board of education could relocate administrative staff and repurpose Havemeyer or build an addition behind Town Hall. "I am very excited about this project," Dr. Jones said, describing persistent staff working‑condition problems at Havemeyer and a multi‑year history of study and proposals.
Opponents on the BET urged a more holistic approach. One member said the town should first do a comprehensive town‑hall and facilities utilization study and package that work with ongoing BOE space studies before authorizing funds. "If we think holistically across town hall, the safety complex and whatnot, that feels like something that should be done first," a member said, arguing that the feasibility request may be premature given other capital demands.
Supporters countered that teams cannot begin necessary site work and due diligence without funding: "We have to get started to get started," one BET member said, urging the committee to allocate funds to move the process into the feasibility stage.
After extended discussion about priorities, project leadership and sequencing, the committee recorded a 2–2 vote, which left the request without committee approval. The chair asked the administration to decide whether to place the item on the full BET agenda for Monday; the item will appear as a nonroutine agenda item for further consideration.
Why it matters: the decision affects whether the BOE moves now to test a high‑cost solution (an annex or renovation) or waits for a townwide facilities strategy that could identify alternative, lower‑cost solutions and relocation options for facilities operations. The tie leaves the next step to the administration and the full BET.
What happens next: the administration will determine whether to return the request to the full BET as a nonroutine item on the Monday agenda and the BOE will continue its space‑needs work.
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