January 2020 Construction Updates:

Glen Ridge Schools Construction Update

The four ongoing construction projects are getting close to completion. The District appreciates the patience and flexibility of the entire school community that was exhibited throughout the project. This winter, the elementary schools have experienced more consistent heating conditions in their buildings that they traditionally have had during past winters. The inclusion of central air in the elementary schools will create a better learning environment for our students this spring.

Bi-weekly construction meetings with the contractors, our construction manager, our architect, and the administration continue to take place. At this time, safety protocols are reinforced, details about completed work and ongoing work are reviewed, and solutions to unforeseen obstacles are discussed.

Please contact your child’s building principal if there are questions or concerns about any item relating to the construction.

Central School

Recently Completed:

• Permanent blinds were installed this week throughout the building.
• Ladder installed for roof access
• The permanent fence around the chiller was finished last week. The fence enclosed a large area to ensure the proper airflow needed for the chiller to run effectively.

To-Do List:

• The High Street exterior doors are expected to be delivered next week and will be hung shortly afterward
• Classroom signage needs to be hung by each door
• The library doors need the hardware installed
• Punchlist; there are a large number of minor items that need to be addressed before the project is complete
• Over the April break, the parking lot will be sealed and striped with direction arrows, drop off zone, and parking spot lines
• The Historic Preservation Committee approved a school sign that is similar to the Forest Avenue School and Linden Avenue signs. It will be a double-sided sign and placed on the island between the Bloomfield Avenue entrance and exit.
• The elevator inspector wanted additional work completed in the electric room. We are working with the town inspector to get clarification on the required work.

Estimated Date of Completion: End of February 2020

Forest Avenue School

Recently Completed:

• Chiller and switchgear installed
• Trench completed and asphalted

To-Do:

• Exterior water pipe connection from the chiller to the boiler room (scheduled to be completed this week)
• PSE&G install a new transformer on the utility pole (scheduled - tbd)
• Electrical connection from the transformer to the chiller and the switchgear to the boiler room (scheduled to be completed by the end of next week)
• Chilled water pipes testing (scheduled during February break)
• Punch list items will be addressed starting this week with work being completed during after school hours

Estimated Date of Completion: End of February 2020

Linden Avenue School

Recently Completed:

• Chiller and switchgear installed
• Trench completed and asphalted

To-Do:

• Exterior water pipe connection from the chiller to the boiler room (scheduled to be completed this week)
• Electrical connection from the transformer to the chiller and the switchgear to the boiler room (scheduled to be completed by the end of next week)
• PSE&G connection to the new transformer (scheduled - tbd)
• Chilled water pipes testing (scheduled during February break)
• A permanent fence around the chiller and switchgear (scheduled - tbd)
• Punch list items will be addressed starting this week with work being completed during after school hours

Estimated Date of Completion: End of February 2020

Ridgewood Avenue School

Recently Completed:

• Gyms heat transferred from manual to automated system

To-Do:

• Temporary heating installed in the auditorium (scheduled for next week)
• Continue to connect chilled water pipes to classrooms (ongoing)
• Completion of the chilled water component in the boiler room (continuous for the next two weeks)
• Install gas line to chiller (scheduled for the next two weeks)
• Permanent chimney install (scheduled for the February break)
• Punch list items (scheduled - tbd)

Estimated Date of Completion: End of March 2020

Glen Ridge BOE Approves Vendors for Construction Projects

The Glen Ridge BOE recently approved two vendors to work on components of their construction projects. Panoramic Window and Door Systems Inc. from Piscataway, NJ was awarded the Forest Avenue School’s window replacement project. A project kick-off meeting was held in December. The window replacement is expected to be completed before the start of the 2018-2019 school year.

Epic Management, Inc., also from Piscataway, NJ was named construction manager. Epic was founded in 1971 and has extensive experience in school management, including working with several districts in the local area. Epic’s primary responsibility will be to oversee the renovation of Central school and the HVAC upgrades at Linden Avenue School, Forest Avenue School, and Ridgewood Avenue School.

There have been several actions taken related to our construction projects since the last BOE meeting.

Bids were made available for the window project at Forest Avenue School. This week three contractors were given a walk-through to get a better understanding of the project. Bids will be accepted and reviewed on November 21st.

Requests for proposals were sent to the three construction management companies that were interviewed. Those proposals will be opened and reviewed on November 14th.

The BOE approved a traffic study to be completed in the Ridgewood Avenue School and Central School area by Dolan and Dean Consulting Engineers.