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Seating contract gets panel’s OK to move ahead

The city finance committee on Tuesday gave a positive recommendation for the administration to award a contract for the purchase and installation of fixed stadium seating at Bowman Field.

The amount of the contract was left blank to speed up the proposed renovation project at the stadium and allow Anthony H. Visco Jr. Architects to advertise for the purchase and installation of the seating as a first phase of the renovation project.

“This is necessary to give sufficient lead time for the selected contractor to finish the project before the start of the Williamsport Crosscutters season,” William E. Nichols, city finance director, said.

Nichols said the seating is estimated to cost $200,000. The resolution was recommended for approval pending a bid opening on March 14.

The seats are to be compliant in terms of width, and the money for the contract is to be taken from a $1.25 million state Redevelopment Assistance Captial Program grant.

Councilwoman Liz Miele, chairwoman of the finance committee, wanted assurance from Nichols the grant was secure and she received it.

More renovation also is planned for the 91-year-old stadium, which had its first game in 1926, according to the documents shared with the newspaper at the meeting.

A second phase of construction, not part of the resolution recommended for approval by the committee, includes such additions as new dugouts, with handicapped chair lifts for any coach who might require it.

The work includes ripping out the old concrete and replacing it with new, Nichols said.

Ideally, the renovation is expected to include construction of helmet and bat storage areas and additional benches, an infield wall, added railings and padding and extended netting to protect spectators from foul balls and flying bats.

The next phase includes contracting out plumbing and electrical work, site work, excavation and backfill, Nichols said.

“The renovation work satisfies the commitment the city had in signing a four-year contract with the Crosscutters,” Nichols said.

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