The committee planning the troubled Middleburgh town emergency shelter/ambulance barn project is seeking at least two new members.
John Lawler, who served as chairman for the building of the $3 million project, resigned from his position in February sighting a lack of confidence from town board members and from the highway superintendent. In addition, another committee member has health issues and cannot serve at this time.
Former town Supervisor Jim Buzon, who had served on the building committee, could be asked to return as an acting member and possibly as chairman.
The project has been plagued with cost overruns, delays, and potential changes.
For several months, town officials have expressed concern about the performance of the architects. Bids for the site work came in well over budget and work was pushed back from last fall to this spring. There are also lingering concerns that the cost of the entire project may come in over budget. The funding for the project came from a $3 million grant through NY Rising.
Town board members decreasing the size of the shelter from 100 beds to 50 beds to lower costs, but in the end agreed to keep it at 100 beds.
Supervisor Pete Coppolo has asked NY Rising to put more pressure on the architect that was hired to design the facility.
Board members have agreed to hold and not pay the architect's bills until the committee reviews them.
Officials have placed a lot of blame on the engineers working on the project for the delays. Lamont Engineers was hired for the project but the firm had to sub-contract out some of the design work. Delays in the completion of the drawings and budget estimates have delayed the project.
Officials said they hope to get budget figures soon. The exact costs will not be known until the project, planned for behind the town barn on Cotton Hill Road, goes to bid, Mr. Coppolo said.