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Politics & Government

Rich Soil Helps Reduce Cost of Veterans Field Renovation

The million-dollar renovation of Veterans Field on Street Road will come in at a slightly lower cost to the township, due to some unanticipated savings.

The township has gotten a little good news in its quest to limit spending on the newly named Veterans Field.

The Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved a change order reducing the cost of a $1.13 million contract for two soccer fields, lights and a parking area by $21,529.

Township Manager Joe Golden explained the reductions were due in large part to about $16,000 that is no longer needed for the screening of topsoil, because the soil is in good shape.

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Golden pointed out that it's rare for contractor's change order to call for less money to be spent.

The township has budgeted close to $1.27 million for the entire project, with $794,900 coming from general funds and $470,982 from open space funds.

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In May, lights and a parking area for about 100 vehicles at the former Shelmire Field on Street Road. A memorial also is planned, with an estimated cost of $15,000 to $20,000.

Meanwhile, the along with an option for an attached storage facility that could be funded by the Southampton Soccer Association.

The township initially planned a prefabricated building. But Architectural Consultant Jennifer Stark said money could be saved by building the structure and got an estimate of $160,000.

The soccer group, meanwhile, was planning a separate storage building at the field, budgeting $10,000 to $15,000.

However, Supervisor Chairwoman Lola Biuckians said last month that the township had recently received an estimate of $210,000 for a combined building.

She asked Soccer Association President Bill Clark if his group would be willing to pick up the extra $50,000 cost because the township just can't afford it.

Clark replied that the association likes the idea of a single building and is willing to contribute financially, but he said he could not yet promise a specific amount.

On Tuesday, Golden said the township had not yet received a specific financial pledge from the association.

He said the group may be waiting until the township gets its quotes.

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