New Britain herald., 1930-12-09
Mayor and Educators at Grips On Northend School Building;
 Situation Still at Stalemate

"1. It will give employment to labor. MT. Downes estimates that of the s2O0,0O0 needed for the build ing, between s60o00 and $l00,0o0 will be spent for labor.
 "2. The school can be built at a low cost now.
 "3. This is favorable time to sell bonds.
 "4. Use of the new building can be made from two to three years sooner than postponing building"
 Criticizes Estimate for Repairs
 Mayor Quigley criticized the esti- mates prepared by John F.. Downes, superintendent Of school construc- ton, relative to the cost Of repair ing the present building. declaring that they were "away off" in sever al instances. T're estimated cost of s1235 for installing two fire escapes was too high, the mayor said, as he had d figure of $500 for installing escapes from two doors on the sec ond floor and iron exits from four uO"0StdlrS rooms.
 A new boiler is not necessary at all, the mayor said. The present boiler is fit for long usage, but the radiators in the building are not large enough to furnish proper ra- diation. Three pounds of steam would be ample if the radiators were sufficiently large.
 To eXpend $12OO on sanitary ac- Commodations in the boys depart ment of the school would be the height of folly" the mayor declared, as the present fixtures are adc- quate. The mayor disclosed that he made another inspection of the building Saturday and found the fixtures entirely sanitary. although not modern. For new floors, MT. Downes made an estimate of s1200, another unnecessary expenditure. the mayor declared The flooring is worn, he admitted, but not in need of replacement, in view of the fact that d new building must be built within two years.
 q am not in controversy with the school board" the mayor assured the conference. T agree that the present building needs 10 be re- placed but for the present the city must be content with necessary re- pairs and renovations.'
 Estimator's Name Secret
 George Levitt of the school board interrupted at this point to ask the mayor the identity Of the estimator who had given the figures the mayor had fin mind. He is q reliable con- tractor whose name I do not care 10 disclose at this moment, but I assure you that he is willing to take the contract at the figures he has given me and can obtain the neces- sary bond without difficulty" the mayor replied.
 MT. Levitt said it was apparent that the mayors figures did not agree with those of Superintendent DoWnes and he asked if the mayor knew that the boiler was full of dope" Full Of what?" the mayor asked, 10 which Mr. Levitt replied that dope" was a substance used to fill in cracks. He added that the school board did not intend to let 8 contract for the repairs, the fig ures being actual cost prices. the work 10 be done under the direction Of Superintendent DoWnes.
 We might as we'll 'lnderstan. each other" the mayor told Mr. Levitt, Are you trying to CO., operate or to oppose?" MT. Levitt replied that he wanted to cooperate but it was apparent that the figures did not tally, and. he added, we have every confidence in Mr Downcs' ability. as he has made esti- mates for us Tn the past and they were entirely reliable"
 Superintendent Holmes said the heating Of the Northend schoo. building was inadequate and unsat- isfactory. As to cooperation. he as sured the mayor that the desire was not one-sided. and he had no inten- ton of opposing the mayor, but conditions in the building were not suitable for children and it seemed to him that the city of New Brit ain should he able 10 find the nec- cssary money to improve them. The use Of portable school houses