TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON—A change order for an additional $30,000 cost from Tekcon Construction, Somerset, to use concrete instead of asphalt on the front driveway apron of the new Emergency Services Building on Washington Avenue is anticipated soon, said the township’s business administrator.
Business Administrator Robert Tovo did not mention how many total change orders so far have gone into the nearly $6 million project, due for completion in April or May.
One major change order for $206,000 was submitted last fall. That was needed for added costs to drive steel foundation pilings through previously unknown hard-pan soil around the building.
Other change orders were approved previously for lesser amounts. A Pascack Press public records request for the total amount approved on change orders for the ESB project was not returned by press time.
Previously, architect Robbie Conley said that change orders generally amount to about 10% over total project costs.
Tovo said the $30,000 cost increase is “an increase over what the asphalt would have been.” He said when the building was first designed, initial specifications called for an asphalt apron in front, but he noted that was “not advisable” for heavy fire vehicles.
He said a change order was submitted from the general contractor to the engineer to be approved. “We said it should be approved and should have always been specced that way from the beginning. We’re all in agreement it’s a wise move.”
Answering a question from councilman Tom Sears, Tovo said he, general contractor Tekcon, and Conley made the decision to use concrete instead of asphalt on the fire house apron.