Wayland building panel sends community center to bid despite budget gap

WAYLAND — September 26, 2023 — Wayland building committee will bid community center project despite $760,000 budget gap. The Permanent Municipal Building Committee voted Tuesday to advertise the Council on Aging community center for construction next week, even though the 100-percent construction-document estimate runs about $1.5 million above last year's 50-percent figure and roughly three-quarters of a million dollars over the $12.185 million in available funding. Project manager Bill argued the gap is bridgeable because general conditions were carried at 15 percent rather than 9 or 10 percent — worth about $400,000 — and the budget still holds $786,000 in contingencies. An owner's representative called it "a very good time to be out going on the street," but urged add-alternates be reordered to defer a $655,000 metal-roof upgrade behind the patio and screen porch. Bids return for a special 9 a.m. Nov. 3 review before the Select Board acts Nov. 6. Separately, the Stonebridge Road bridge drew a lone $776,200 bid against $684,000 authorized, likely sending the project back to town meeting.