Clarkstown Pubic Works Administrator Ed Lettre expects to know within the next day or so which contractor has been selected by the bonding company to finish the construction of the new headquarters for the . The original contractor, Nikko Construction Corp. of Valley Cottage, notified the town in late February that it was having financial difficulties and was in default.
According to town officials, Nikko’s bonding company asked other contracting firms to submit bids to complete the project. Lettre said the bonding company is now deciding between two contractors, both of which are acceptable to the town. The town could veto the bonding company’s selection of a contractor.
Lettre noted despite the default work has continued on the project on Kings Highway. He said since the bonding company has taken over, it insures that the workers will be paid.
“The unions have kept workers on,” he said. “We’re not going to lose any time.”
Lettre said the involvement of the bonding company means the change of contractor will not cost the town any additional money and that the town’s contractual obligations for the project will be met.
The bulk of the work on the 9,350 square-foot-building – construction, alarm installation, plumbing, electrical and siding - has been completed. The remaining work includes painting, trim, spackling, parking lot paving and landscaping, which Lettre anticipates will be done in six to eight weeks close to the original completion date of April 15.
