City officials will address traffic and other neighborhood issues involving the school as they develop.
WESTFIELD – The city will move forward with construction plans for a $36 million elementary school at Cross and Ashley streets despite two pending Hampden Superior Court civil suits seeking to block the new school.
The Planning Board this week approved the final permits allowing construction to begin by granting its approval to site plans and stormwater management of the site and eventual building of the school that will house up to 600 pupils grades kindergarten through grade five.
Meanwhile, Cross and Ashley street residents have filed a 10-taxpayer suit in Superior Court questioning the status of the site and procedures followed by city officials leading to approval of the school and its pending construction. The suit was filed last week and taxpayers hope for a preliminary hearing as early as next week. They attorney Thomas A. Kenefick, III of Springfield, said a hearing is scheduled in Superior Court May 9.
An appeal of an earlier permit, involving sideyard distances, approved by the Zoning Board of Appeals is still pending in Hampden Superior Court. That was filed by three residents, concerned about neighborhood traffic congestion, last December.
But, city and school officials said Wednesday that while those appeals are pending, efforts are moving forward to begin construction.
Mayor Daniel M. Knapik, calling the court actions “frivolous”, said the process of pre-qualifying contractors for bidding on the project will proceed. The project will be advertised for general and sub-contractor bidding for a period of 60 to 90 days and ground breaking will be scheduled for early fall. The public advertisement for construction bids is expected shortly, Knapik said.
Thomas Smith, a plaintiff in both suits, said the latest court filing questions the status of the site, claiming it must be preserved for open space use under Executive Office of Environmental Affairs Article 97. Smith also contends that the mayor “is withholding that and other information from the City Council and other city officials who have been asked to approve the school.”
Knapik acknowledged there is a question concerning Article 97 but maintains “the city has records showing the Cross and Ashley streets property was originally acquired through tax title. We have had conversations with the state concerning that status and that the school project will impact only about one acre there and actually enhance the playground and fields used for youth athletics.”
Ward 2 City Councilor James E. Brown Jr., who represents the neighborhood, said he supports the school “because it will enhance the education of our children and improve playground facilities there.”
School Committee vice chairman Kevin J. Sullivan said city efforts to address traffic and other issues at the school site will be on-going. “A specific plan to address these concerns will be developed with support of our Police and Fire departments and the plan will be revised as necessary as the project proceeds and even after the school is open,” Sullivan said.
The mayor also indicated that demolition of the former Ashley Street School will coincide with the start of construction on the new building. The city has secured adequate property, including parking with additional parking under agreement with an adjacent church.
Westfield has secured 62-percent state reimbursement for the school price tag and construction will be supervised by project manager Skanska USA Building Inc. of Springfield. Architect for the new school is Margo Jones Architect of Greenfield.
The schedule has identified an opening of the new school sometime in late 2013 or early 2014. The opening will lead to consolidation and closing of one or two existing schools, Abner Gibbs, the city’s oldest operating school, and possibly Franklin Avenue School.