“General contractor award, road extension approval, and solar discussion mark major milestone for Reading Center for Active Living project“
The Permanent Building Committee took a series of consequential votes during their last meeting that moved the Reading Center for Active Living (ReCAL) project firmly toward construction, approving a general contractor, endorsing a key site-access improvement, and confirming that the project remains under its voter-authorized budget. The February 11th meeting reflected months of planning culminating in bid results that came in significantly below estimates, giving the committee flexibility to consider project alternates while maintaining fiscal discipline.
Project managers reported that the overall schedule remains on track, with execution of the construction contract targeted for late February and a Notice to Proceed anticipated in early March. Approximately $2.7 million has been committed to date, consistent with expectations, and while contractor bids have not yet been fully incorporated into the formal budget, early indicators were positive. Filed sub-bids were compliant and generally below estimates, and six general contractors submitted valid bids.
The most notable financial news came with the opening of general contractor bids. J&J Contractors emerged as the lowest base bidder at approximately $18.9 million, roughly $2.5 million—or about 11.8 percent—below the construction budget. Committee members also reviewed unit pricing for potential future change orders and noted that the elevator trade will be rebid due to limited initial participation, with an allowance carried in the interim to preserve schedule certainty.
The committee unanimously approved Alternate No. 1, which provides for the extension of Range Road as part of the ReCAL project. Chair Patrick Tompkins explained that the extension is intended to improve site access and circulation while supporting future recreational uses and potential overflow parking. The work is fully funded within the existing project budget, and the vote passed 7–0.
A lengthier discussion followed on Alternate No. 2, which proposes installing a 100-kilowatt rooftop photovoltaic system. Representatives from the design team and the owner’s project management group outlined a nominal payback period of approximately 23 years at current Reading Municipal Light Department rates, potentially reduced to 18–20 years if a roughly $60,000 RMLD grant is secured. Committee members weighed long-term energy cost uncertainty, sustainability benefits, and alignment with the Town’s Net Zero Action Plan, while also noting that installation during initial construction avoids higher retrofit costs. No vote was taken, and the matter was continued for further consideration.
Later in the meeting, the committee voted 6–1–0 to accept a construction alternate, reaffirming its commitment to remain below the voter-approved budget and noting that alternates were anticipated if savings materialized. The discussion also clarified that acceptance of an alternate does not automatically require changing subcontractors and reviewed procurement and bid protest considerations. John Coote cast the sole dissenting vote, while Patrick Tompkins, Vice Chair Nancy Twomey, Kirk McCormick, Gregory Stepler, Mark L Dockser, and Ronald Powell voted in favor.
The evening concluded with a unanimous 7–0 vote to formally award the construction contract to J&J Contractors. The committee confirmed that the firm was the lowest responsible and eligible bidder, with certification and prequalification requirements satisfied. With that approval, the project now moves toward contract finalization and mobilization.
As the ReCAL project enters its next phase, committee members emphasized careful oversight of remaining procurement items and continued evaluation of sustainability options. With bids coming in below budget and construction poised to begin this spring, the focus now shifts to execution—delivering a long-anticipated community facility while balancing cost control, long-term value, and future-ready design.
