Norwalk authority approves $2.78 million contract to repair Yankee Doodle Garage

Park Norwalk on Tuesday authorized a $2,777,000 contract with Frank Capazo & Sons to complete structural repairs and aesthetic work at the Yankee Doodle Garage, and gave the director authority to approve change orders up to 10% ($277,700).

The board took up the item after staff presented a January conditions appraisal that flagged active deterioration mechanisms — including shallow delamination and spalling — and recommended concrete restoration, waterproofing, joint repairs and protective measures to halt further corrosion. "The report identified spalled concrete exposing reinforcing steel and active deterioration mechanisms that must be addressed before occupancy increases," a staff presenter said.

Jim Travers, the director of transportation, mobility and parking, told commissioners the work addresses both structural and user‑experience issues: repairs will be followed by a waterproof membrane, new lighting and restriping of the first floor. "Once the repairs are done, we will seal and re‑stripe the floor; it will be structurally sound and look much better for customers," Travers said.

Board members said they received multiple bids for the work; staff said six firms submitted bids and Frank Capazo & Sons was the lowest. Commissioners also discussed timing and sequencing, noting the choice between staging work to keep portions open or closing the garage to complete work faster. Staff said contracting is expected to be completed by August and that construction could last roughly a year depending on mobilization timing.

The board voted to authorize Chairman Eric Reigns to execute the contract and to allow the director to approve change orders up to the 10% contingency. The transcript does not record individual vote tallies by member names; meeting minutes should be consulted for a roll‑call record.

Next steps: staff said they will finalize contract documents with Frank Capazo & Sons and execute the procurement and contracting steps needed to begin work. No specific start date for construction was recorded in the transcript.