South could get extra parking, storage

These features could be included in the $20.8 million expansion and construction project if finances allow.

By: Linda Seida
   WEST AMWELL — South Hunterdon Regional High School’s Board of Education heard a presentation from the district’s architect last week about possible features that could be included in the new expansion and construction project if finances allow.
   The alternative features include the construction of extra parking spaces, additional storage space, an entrance between the old gym and the new middle school gym still to be constructed and an accessible set of stairs to an in-ground area that is now considered "confined space," according to Principal Don Woodring.
   The in-ground area in the front wing of the building holds water tanks. When custodians must get in there, it requires two of them. One stays above ground in case the other one needs help and can’t get out, according to Business Administrator Julie Mumaw.
   The entrance now is "like a manhole," according to Mr. Woodring, and is accessed by a ladder. The method of using a ladder to get to the site has been used since the building was constructed in 1959, he said.
   Additional parking could include up to 50 more spaces in the area of the horseshoe at the front of the high school, according to Superintendent Lisa Brady.
   "If the money’s available, that’s a very wise way to use it," she said.
   The school now has 185 parking spaces.
   The proposed storage space would be constructed behind the auditorium’s stage to hold sets and designs.
   The basic design of the plan for new construction and upgrades is set, but the smaller alternatives and other details, what Ms. Brady called "the nitty gritty," have yet to be drawn up.
   The next step in the building project will be to put a bid package together, including the alternative features. If the bids come back from construction firms as affordable, the district will move forward with all features desired.
   "If not, we’ll still have what we need," Ms. Brady said. "It depends on construction costs. If that changes because of materials, then you have to make adjustments."
   The district hopes to put projects out to bid in April. Early bidding will be for two projects: new windows and renovations to the existing gym. The tentative plan is to have both projects completed next summer, when school is not in session, according to Ms. Brady.
   However, the remainder of the project will take longer.
   "It’s really going to be August before we get a shovel in the ground on the main project," Ms. Brady said.
   She added, "I’m very proud of how quickly we’ve moved forward. But you’ve got to work hard at that."
   In addition to a new gym for middle school students, South Hunterdon’s $20.8 million construction and renovation plan approved by voters in September calls for the addition of a new commons area, an auditorium, a combined media center and library, a middle school science lab, a music room, two resource rooms for special education and a computer lab.
   Also planned are upgrades to heating, lighting, electrical and plumbing systems and renovations to the cafeteria and the existing music room.