Supervisor's Note: Planning for construction of new DPW facility moving ahead

Over the past year, I’ve shared regular updates as we develop plans to construct a new Town of Penfield Department of Public Works. You might remember back in May, the Town Board authorized MRB Group to begin the formal design process for a new facility. I am happy to share that the design is now substantially complete, and we recently took further steps toward getting a new facility built on the site of our current DPW complex.

The plans developed by MRB Group outline details for the construction of the new facility. Most notably, the proposed facility will see the DPW almost triple in size from just under 30,000 SF to 73,000 SF. The bigger space will greatly enhance operational efficiency and give our crews the proper workspace to successfully do their jobs.

The new proposed DPW includes:
  • 26-bay vehicle garage with modern amenities
    • Maintenance area
    • Administration office
    • Breakroom and restroom facilities
    • Kennel space for Animal Control
    • Fire suppression system and additional modern safety features
  • Salt storage building
  • Sand storage building
  • Wood pole barn
  • Fuel station
During our Town Board meeting on Wednesday, November 1, we passed a resolution that would give the Town Board the ability to bond up to $25 million to pay for the project. We also identified $5 million in reserve funds to fund the project. The $30 million total is not a final price tag; rather it is a project maximum and allows the planning process to continue.

In fact, we anticipate the project will be below the maximum cost that has been allocated. But, as many of you know, the market is ever-changing, and we want to prepare for worst-case scenarios. Prior to any final decision being made, we will continue exploring all avenues to ensure the project is completed as efficiently as possible, which includes pursuing grant funding.

I am eager to finalize the planning process and understand just how critical a new facility is to the operational success of the Town of Penfield. I encourage you to reach out to me with any questions or concerns you might have, and I will be happy to discuss. You can also visit our website for additional information.

Debbie Drawe, Supervisor