After a lull in discussions regarding renovations to Wescott Field, Austin Schools Superintendent Dr.

Tuesday, April 11, 2000

After a lull in discussions regarding renovations to Wescott Field, Austin Schools Superintendent Dr. James Hess said Monday that the picture will likely be clearer in a month’s time.

"We’ll have a much better idea in a month when we have a firm phase one plan and a good idea of what the total project and cost will be," Hess said after Monday’s meeting of the Wescott Field committee.

A meeting with the project’s Rochester-based architect, David Kane, is scheduled for Friday.

In original plans, groundbreaking was set for April 1, but final project costs have not been finalized yet. Committee members want to have a solid idea of costs before contacting potential donors and holding a public meeting to present a final plan to taxpayers.

Hess said the committee will look at the project bids, meet with coaches and city park and recreation officials before the full Austin Public Schools Board of Education gives approval. No specific time frame has been outlined.