The main office extension at North Bergen High School was originally scheduled to be completed last October. But several delays – most recently a leak that caused a “waterfall” in a new hallway and will cost $26,565 to correct – have delayed the $1.2 million project until at least April.
In spring 2010, construction began to extend the school’s main office, guidance, and nursing station outward toward Kennedy Boulevard, adding much needed space. The project was funded by a $725,000 state grant, with the rest budgeted by the Board of Education.
By October, the original completion date, snags in construction – including delays from the window manufacturer and the process of deciding which roof into install – had pushed the project back.
“We’re all looking forward” – Hugo Cabrera
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Water leak causes delays
“They cut the [original] building open [and] water was leaking from the second floor into where the new hallway will be,” said Business Administrator Steven Somick last week. “And that’s an existing problem, from when, I have no idea. It could have been here since the building was made, but you’d never know because it would run straight down between the windows and the brick…you have waterfalls going in between the building.”
Somick said that Riefolo Construction, the company contracted for the work, was awarded an amended $1.27 million contract, including the change order to fix the leak, at the school board’s Feb. 16 meeting.
He said that the company first tried to fix the leak themselves, which proved unsuccessful.
He said the work would be done by a water proofing specialist throughout the school’s spring break, and that the leak would hopefully be found and fixed as soon as possible.
Somick said that everything for the extension, including furniture and computers, has been purchased and is being held in storage, paid by Riefolo, until the project is completed.
“Everything is in place to steamroll,” said Somick, who said the company gave the district an estimate of three weeks to finish flooring, electrical work, and whatever else needs to be completed once the leak is fixed.
Somick hopes the extension can be opened by April.
Normal part of construction
“We’re all looking forward,” said Hugo Cabrera, who is in charge of the Board of Education’s Revenue and Finance, as well as a commissioner for the township. “It’s going to be a completed state-of-the-art facility for the kids, looking for colleges, and what have you.”
Cabrera said that whenever there is construction, there are always delays, but that the school hopes that they can move forward and open the extension soon.
Tricia Tirella may be reached at TriciaT@hudsonreporter.com.