Construction Delays At Senior/Community Center

By Michelle Warren, The Chronicle

July 9, 2021

Despite some delays, town officials are still confident senior/community center construction workers can make up time lost by supply issues and labor shortages.

“There are different challenges, but nothing that won’t be overcome,” said Windham Mayor Thomas DeVivo, who is co-chairman of the Windham Ad-Hoc Senior/Community Center Build-ing Committee.

Windham Town Manager Jim Rivers said the initial goal was to finish the construction by October, but it is uncertain when the project will be finished now, though it will likely open around the end of the year.

He said any delays could be made up, noting that has been done for the project in the past. DeVivo said because of the pandemic, supply delays are common throughout the construction industry.

He said cost inflation is also an issue.

“The workers are doing quality work, but there are even delays getting copper wires,” DeVivo said.

The groundbreaking for the project was in February 2020 and construction is being done by the Nutmeg Companies Inc. of Norwich.

The total project cost is $15,593,635, with the state kicking in about $1.3 million and the town bonding for the rest.

Taxpayers approved additional money for the project during multiple referendums over the years.

During the most recent referendum in January 2020, taxpayers approved a $1 million appropriation, bringing the total project cost to $15,593,635.

DeVivo said the committee is diligent about sticking to the budget and the project is still on budget.

“We’re spending the taxpayers’ money and the committee is very conscious of that,” he said.

In the beginning of the construction, workers found old foundations and removed them, causing an unanticipated cost.

“I think the building committee has done a great job of keeping their feet to the fire,” Rivers said, referring to the contractor.

He said there is sheetrock up and the roof is on and it seems like the workers are “moving right along.”

“I don’t see major problems,” Rivers said.

DeVivo expressed confidence with Nutmeg Construction, noting they have had a labor shortage while working on the project.

“I think they’re trying as hard as they can,” he said. “We’ve been trying to get them to work longer hours, but people don’t really want to work longer hours.”

DeVivo said Nutmeg Construction has expressed concern about big events coming up at Shaboo Stage, like Latin Fest on July 17 and the 50th Shaboo anniversary concert on Aug. 28.

With construction going on, workers were concerned about the amount of parking that is available at Jillson Square, where the stage is.

“They want to cooperate,” DeVivo said. “They offered to move some fences.”

Follow Michelle Warren on Twitter - @mwarrentc.

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