Budget overruns, project delays remain unclear for Union Street parking lot rehab

ROCHESTER - The city's Department of Public Works has declined to release additional details and potential budget overruns for the reconstruction of the Union Street parking lot.
The project was originally expected to cost about $1.75 million, but that figure will likely increase substantially.
The completion date was supposed to be this fall, but has now been pushed back till sometime next year.
Matt Wyatt, the city's public information and community engagement manager, said on Friday that both the scope and cost of the additional work is unclear.
"They (Public Works) are still determining that at this point," he told The Rochester Voice. "We will be releasing an update when I receive more information from DPW."
A Tuesday release from the city noted that, "construction has encountered unexpected underground utility and grading issues, which may affect the project timeline," adding "Crews are working with contractors and utility providers to address these challenges and determine next steps."
The project's aim was to improve both functionality and environmental sustainability, according to city officials.
The new parking lot will actually have fewer parking spaces, but will feature handicapped-accessible spaces, electric vehicle charging stations and a consolidated dumpster corral for nearby businesses and residents.
Other upgrades include bio-retention basins, tree filter boxes, and a closed drainage system designed to manage stormwater runoff and protect the nearby Cocheco River.
Mike Scala, the city's director of economic development, is listed by the city as spokesman for the project, but he told The Rochester Voice on Friday that is not the case.
"Although I am listed as the contact for this project, that is more for the public and businesses with questions concerning parking and such," he said.
Rochester residents are likely hoping today that the Union Street parking lot reconstruction won't end up with budget overruns and completion delays like the Strafford Square roundabout did three years ago.
The roundabout, which had been budgeted for $6 million, ended up costing taxpayers about $9 million.
The primary cause of additional expenses and delays was the substantial underground work, which included burying overhead utilities and upgrading water, sewer, and drainage infrastructure. The city had to borrow the extra $3 million to complete the project.