Construction manager is optimistic
By: John Tredrea
The Hopewell Valley Regional School District’s fourth elementary school will be ready for the opening of the 2002-2003 academic year, said David Tillou, construction manager.
"We’re going to reach our goal," Mr. Tillou told the Hopewell Valley Regional Board of Education in his monthly construction update, delivered at the June 24 board meeting.
The new school, Stony Brook Elementary, will have a capacity of 520 students. The school is located in Brandon Farms, the 1,300-unit development on the southeastern tip of 58-square mile Hopewell Township.
"We’re into doing ‘finishes’ at the elementary school now," Mr. Tillou told the board. "The painting is almost done. The ceiling tile is in. The ceramic tile is done. The elevator is almost done. The site grading is being completed. The air conditioning is being turned on."
The next milestone Mr. Tillou said he hopes to reach is obtaining a temporary certificate of occupancy by Aug. 15. "All in all, this has been a very successful project," he said. "Physically and financially, we’re in great shape."
Also under way is a $10 million expansion of Hopewell Valley Central High School, including a new gym, auditorium and kitchen, and a smaller project at Bear Tavern Elementary. Work on both projects is proceeding satisfactorily, Mr. Tillou said.
"Our goal at the high school is to have the new kitchen done by Sept. 1, and I think we’ll make it," Mr. Tillou said. "The old kitchen has been torn apart. The plumbing for it is done. The roof will start this week. The steel work is done for the new auditorium. We’re finishing putting in the steel piers for the new gym. All in all, we’re well on our way."