Significant wetlands identified on the North Yarmouth site require Oak Point Associates to present revised plans.
During site prep work, an Oak Point Associates civil engineer discovered a significant area of wetland not delineated on proposal documents from the seller. The area is not recorded on state mapping. A survey of the property had been conducted by the seller prior to the agreement to sell the property to MSAD 51.
The initial concept building plan overlays a previously unknown wetland area. To minimize cost and environmental impact, the original design has been revised and repositioned.
Multiple scenarios were considered, including siting the new building in the open area where sports fields are planned. The new proposal shifts the design towards the southeast and would still encompass 20,000 sqft. of wetland. The estimated impact fee is $200,000.
“Going forward…we've kind of hit a spot on the site that we're feeling good both educationally, environmentally, and overall cost wise so we're just about ready to roll out,” said Tyler Barter of Oak Point Associates.
Barter recommended a third, independent survey of the property.
Peter Bingham did not support sending the project to a June referendum. “In all reality, June is off the table...I just think we need some more information.”
The board will now consider two alternative timelines. Moving the vote to the November ballot would allow the design team to further assess the property and additional time to create revised plans. However, this would shift the projected project completion date to the fall of 2026 and add an estimated 4 -7% to construction costs.
Jennifer Stewart proposed a September special referendum. Stewart asked whether an earlier vote would allow the district to remain on track for a fall 2025 opening?
A special referendum will likely add $30,000 to costs. There was consensus support of a September vote if it meant the overall project avoided additional construction costs and remained on track for a fall 2025 opening.
Barter will review the scenario and provide a report to the board by the end of the week.
Despite the setback, Barter assured the school board Oak Point Associates will deliver a preliminary design presentation in the coming weeks.
The new plan limits future expansion options. However, Barter confirmed adding 12-20 classrooms is possible on the southern side of the building.
Public information meetings are tentatively planned for April and May. However, this schedule will likely shift once the referendum date is confirmed. Board members emphasized timing of public meetings must be set to allow maximum resident participation.
The new building will house PK-2nd grade in a “3-module” design, connected by hallways. In response to the recent uptrend in enrollment, the district is utilizing temporary modular units on the current campus in Cumberland. A new school will allow the district to alleviate capacity issues at both the middle school and Mabel I. Wilson.
An update to project costs was not given. Tentative new construction costs have been previously estimated at $70M.
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