I met with Joe Derosa , the Project Manager of the new Arcola Elementary School last week. He gave me the following update:
Joe Derosa is working on the Schematic Design Brochure (Preliminary Plans). The project is now scheduled to go before the Board of Education on June 8th (between 12 - 3 p.m.). If approved by BoE, the project goes to MNCPPC for Mandatory Referral (public hearings). It will also go before the County Council in either July or August.
Joe is also planning on sending an official submittal to Park and Planning requesting easement for the ball field. If all goes well, MCPS will install a high performance geothermal cooling system for the school. The wells for the geothermal system would be installed beneath the ball field. As part of this effort, there is a possibility of addressing the sediment/stormwater runoff problem from the ball field that is causing so many problems with the homes at the bottom of Channing Ave. A life cycle cost analysis is also being planned for the proposed geothermal system. The system cost more up front, but saves a great deal on the energy bills. I know most of you could care less about this, but as a mechanical/energy engineer I find this very exciting!
Joe would like to schedule a follow up meeting with the Design Advisory Committee, hopefully in April. He will present detailed ¼” scale plans to the committee. The meeting will most likely be at Kemp Mill Elementary School. Interested members of our community are welcome to attend.
Joe would like to start the Traffic Study before the school year ends (hopefully April or May). The survey will take one or two weeks, preparing the report will take two months.
Joe reaffirmed his intent to design the school using sustainable practices. I was given a detailed set of interior floor plans and a detailed site plan. If you are interested in seeing the latest versions of the proposed school, let me know.