Why I want Enfield’s old schools torn down, not renovated

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  Water-stained ceiling tiles in an office at Hazardville Memorial School I've been researching hazardous materials in Enfield's elementary schools and reading the inspection reports that federal law requires. Every school with asbestos must get a full inspection every three years and a check every six months. Enfield's last full inspection was in 2024. The last six-month check was in June. I went to the school department and looked at the records to gain a better understanding of what's involved. I did not realize, until I looked at the material, how much effort the school system has to take to ensure the children are safe. I'm planning to write something in greater detail, but for now the opposition has to understand the real implications of a "no" vote. Asbestos may sit in old floor tile and glue, pipe insulation and ceiling material. Asbestos materials that are sealed or in good condition do not put fibers in the air. They become a problem when they ar...

JFK middle school renovation is a battle over Enfield’s future

JFK Middle School, Enfield CT

Enfield voters are being asked to approve $84 million to renovate the John F. Kennedy Middle School. The town’s share of the cost is $27 million. The state is paying for 70 percent of the work. Whether town voters will approve it is a major problem.

The referendum failed in 2017, about 3,640 votes to 3,200. The town trimmed back the project from $95 million. The town share was reduced from $35 million.

It’s hard to know whether the reduction in cost has made a difference in support. The opposition is in evidence on Facebook Enfield CT Open Forum. It’s frustrating. The opponents are mostly just complaining about taxes, and accusing the town of mismanagement.
The big risk is state funding. The state kept its 70% reimbursement in place, despite the 2017 referendum rejection. That’s a hefty commitment by the state. If the referendum fails a second time, it’s possible -- probably very likely -- that the state will withdraw its commitment. There are a lot of other towns that will want this money to use for school renovations. And then what will Enfield do?

Enfield will still have to improve JFK and may have do so without state assistance. Voters will still be on the hook for potentially tens of millions of dollars.

This 50-year old school is in bad shape. It doesn't have air conditioning, and the temperature will continue to increase with climate change. Students, staff and faculty often labor in very warm conditions. The heating system is failing. The building has hazardous materials that need to be dealt with. Many improvements are needed.

At least $15 million no matter what

There was a 2015 study that put "the total estimated cost was $15.3 million to just fix what exists at the JFK School, but not to improve with any great significance." This is what former Town Manager Bryan Chodkowski told the town council, according to what was stated at a hearing on the topic.

Assuming the $15 million estimate is on target (and it's probably low, considering it's now four years old), it seems ridiculous to reject the school referendum. For $11 million more in bonding, the town gets an $84 million renovation and a first class facility for the students -- something everyone can be proud of. This makes so much sense.

One of arguments used by opponents is “why not Fermi?” That’s been looked it. It’s nearly as old as JFK. It’s a high school that will have to be converted into a middle school, at significant cost. There’s still concern about hazardous materials at that facility.

Fermi is not an option

In 2013, the town looked at relocating the Enfield Public Library, town recreation department, EMS to Fermi. The construction cost for that project alone was $26 million, or nearly the same as the town’s share of the construction cost at JFK. The school wasn't built for middle school students, and a conversion to a middle school will cost even more. The town will have to try again to get state support for that project.

The opponents believe there’s big money to be made from the sale of town properties. JFK has very little value in its current condition. The building is in bad shape overall. It may be demolished.

If voters reject this, it will be a victory for misinformation. No matter how you look at this problem, the town is on the hook for millions in renovation costs. There is no way around it. One can only hope that voters will realize it.





Location: Enfield, CT 06082, USA

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