BUILDING COMMITTEE
APRIL UPDATE
The Building Committee met twice this month to finalize details in preparation for application to the Planning Board and State permits. A new Co-Chairman, Kenneth Lambert, was appointed. Ken will preside as Chairperson in Victoria Del Greco’s absence.
With the Building Committee in agreement, the Project Development team adopted a reversed ‘L- shaped’ structure for the new Parish Center as the better design in meeting the required wetland and abutter setbacks. Efforts continued in re-defining parking areas, pavement alternatives, landscape and service programs. The originally projected square footage remained unaltered but due to the new shape of the building and its revised location; foundations, program locations and access ways needed rework. Options were brought before the Building Committee for review and approval.
A slab foundation was agreed as needed at the rear (RR Side) of the building to lessen excavation impact and restoration requirements with the slope of the land in this area. The front entrance originally placed at the right was moved to the center to provide better access to the upper and lower levels
.A major issue concerning site development is storm drainage. Research and alternative discussions have been taking place by the Team and experts to provide the best method(s) of drainage with little/no impact to the wetlands and current drainage flow from the site today. Porous pavement has always been an option but its benefits and the types available were explored. Two Pavement Systems were presented to the Committee: Traditional asphalt pavement and Porous Pavement systems. Jones & Beach, Dan Balfour, presented these options along with their benefits, design requirements and the projected costs of each. In reviewing the two options the Committee determined that the benefits of Porous Pavement and Drainage Systems far outweigh those of Traditional Pavement systems in all aspects: environmental, maintenance/longevity as well as cost/return on investment. The Committee agreed by unanimous vote that the project should go forth in design with Porous Pavement Systems.
The prospect of attaining LEED’s Certification was introduced to the Committee by B. Hamilton - Architect. LEED’s certification certifies that the Parish Site/Buildings have met the basic and/or extended requirements in maintaining a “Green” environment, insuring proper care/use of our natural resources. LEED’s Certification would not only reflect our responsibility as Christians but would also serve the best interests of the town and distinguish St. Michael’s as the first LEED’s Certified Church in the state. He noted that we have already met some of the objectives. A vote by the Committee was unanimous to actively pursue certification.
Minimal interior changes were made to the choir loft of the church where the roof has been lowered. The Parish Center required more interior revision since the building is no longer rectangular. B. Hamilton & Associate presented the new Parish Center interior design, insuring that all services/programs have been met. Some services were relocated to fit the new interior of the building. The Meeting room for conferences will remain on the first floor and serve as a temporary chapel until the planned chapel is completed. St. Vincent De Paul ministry (food pantry & offices) was placed at the end of the building for uninterrupted access by the public. (RR Side). Priest’s offices remained on the first floor while other offices were relocated to the second floor.
In addition, B. Hamilton proposed exterior options where the Parish Center was patterned in likeness to the neighborhood. Landscaping and overall attractiveness of the site will also convey an historical appeal.
Pledge support continues to rise along
with donations with minimal fall-out in receipts. Again our thanks go
out to all of you for your generous support. We are currently
2/3 of the way in completing our goal of $4.1M in pledges and donations.
A total of $2.5M has been received.
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Please continue to pray for guidance and direction as we pursue our parish mission.