Farmington PZC Backs Major HVAC Upgrades To Elementary Schools

FARMINGTON, CT — Plans ot overhaul the heating and ventilation systems at the town's elementary schools received major approval last week.

The Farmington Planning and Zoning Commission voted unanimously on April 13 to support a multi-year plan to upgrade ventilation systems at four elementary schools, advancing the proposal to the Farmington Town Council for consideration.

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The commission approved a positive referral under Connecticut General Statutes Section 8-24 for improvements at Noah Wallace, Union, East Farms, and West District elementary schools.

The action indicates the project is consistent with the town’s plan of conservation and development, and it was required under state law.

Sam Kilpatrick, Farmington Public Schools director of facilities, presented the proposal, describing it as part of the Farmington Board of Education’s capital improvement requests for the current budget cycle.

The plan follows a 2021 town-commissioned ventilation assessment of the four buildings.

Kilpatrick said the upgrades would include dedicated outdoor air systems and variable refrigerant flow ceiling cassettes at each school.

The work is proposed as a phased program beginning in 2027, with one school addressed per year.

Under the proposed sequence, West District Elementary School would be upgraded first, followed by East Farms, Noah Wallace, and Union Elementary schools.

Each project would also require electrical upgrades, with additional natural gas line upgrades at East Farms and West District, he said.

Farmington Town Planner Shannon Rutherford displayed the plans during the meeting.

The town council will review the referral as part of its budget and capital planning process.

If funded, design and construction would proceed on the proposed schedule starting in 2027.

For the minutes of the April 13 Farmington Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, click on this link.