The truth isn’t always easy and isn’t always kind, but if it’s true, I can work with it.
Tonight we met with the structural engineer and architect who’s been working on an independent estimate of the hospital construction costs. The numbers came back about 2.5 times higher than our original estimate. There are good reasons. First, we now know what the building regulations require for a public facility, so the hospital will be built to code. We also are required to construct a doctor’s residence, renovate the forestry building that is in the land package, level the land and divert a canal that runs through the middle of the parcel and build a wall to surround the property. None of those last five items were included in our original estimate. So, the price tag is higher but the estimate is solid and it’s independent of any governmental agencies or officials.
I’m actually relieved to know the real number and the cost of the land “gift” from the City of Bargny. I suspect we were given the land, so that we would bear the cost of improving it. As it is, with an open canal running through it, the land can’t be used for anything. If we divert the canal and build the hospital, the City can use the hospital as an anchor to attract other businesses and develop a health-oriented business district. It’s what I might do.
The surprise will be Nathalie’s intention to push back on the cost of developing the site and to demand some support from the City. Stay tuned
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