Image credit: School Construction Authority.

City Council’s new legislation seeks to combat overcrowded New York City Schools through new efficient methods in choosing new school building projects. On September 12, 2018, the City Council announced it will require the School Construction Authority to disclose how it evaluates the location and time frame of new schools being built. City Council Member Ben Kallos authored the measure, Introduction 729, in response to overcrowding in New York City public elementary and middle schools and the City’s plans to build fewer school seats. This legislation intends to make the Department of Education and the School Construction Authority more transparent in their decisions, and create accountability. (more…)

P.S. 270 in Queens. Image credit: Google Maps.

During a seven year period Contractor and School Construction Authority agreed to multiple time extensions on $32.75 million contract. In February 2001, The New York City School Construction Authority entered into a $32,750,000 contract with AMCC Corporation, a general contractor, to design and build P.S. 270, a three-story public school located at 233-15 Merrick Boulevard, Queens. Over the course of the construction, the contractor submitted proposed change orders to the Authority totaling $4,838,245.57 for the extra work. The Authority agreed to some change orders, but rejected others. (more…)