Illinois Gov't "Build Smart" School Guide

[JB]

I found this interesting - Illinois has a guide to school construction called "Build Smart", written by the Capital Development Board, which is the construction management arm of Illinois’ state government. CDB oversees the design and construction of new elementary and high schools. Here is an interesting chapter, I've clipped some highlights:

www.cdb.state.il.us/schools/Chapter3.pdf

High Pressure Gas or Oil Lines
A school built next to one of these lines can be an extreme hazard to students in the case of a rupture or explosion. A site containing these items should be avoided if at all possible. If not, extreme care should be used in locating the footprint of the school and location of easements should be investigated.

High Voltage Electrical Lines
These lines present several hazards for the school site. Electric and magnetic fields produced by the high voltage have been a public health concern for some time. The potential for downed lines and poles in high winds or ice storms presents yet another hazard. Easements can prevent optimal utilization of the property. Politically, high voltage lines can easily be seen by the community and, therefore, can cause the refusal of the taxpayers to accept the site as the place to locate a new school.

Railroads and Commuter Lines
Railroad and/or commuter lines located adjacent to a potential school site could raise safety, noise, and vibration issues. Community objection should also be considered. There could always be the possibility of derailment and/or hazardous material spills associated with rail traffic.

[doctorwho]

jb said:

I found this interesting - Illinois has a guide to school construction called "Build Smart", written by the Capital Development Board, which is the construction management arm of Illinois’ state government. CDB oversees the design and construction of new elementary and high schools. Here is an interesting chapter, I've clipped some highlights:

www.cdb.state.il.us/schools/Chapter3.pdf

High Pressure Gas or Oil Lines
A school built next to one of these lines can be an extreme hazard to students in the case of a rupture or explosion. A site containing these items should be avoided if at all possible. If not, extreme care should be used in locating the footprint of the school and location of easements should be investigated.

High Voltage Electrical Lines
These lines present several hazards for the school site. Electric and magnetic fields produced by the high voltage have been a public health concern for some time. The potential for downed lines and poles in high winds or ice storms presents yet another hazard. Easements can prevent optimal utilization of the property. Politically, high voltage lines can easily be seen by the community and, therefore, can cause the refusal of the taxpayers to accept the site as the place to locate a new school.

Railroads and Commuter Lines
Railroad and/or commuter lines located adjacent to a potential school site could raise safety, noise, and vibration issues. Community objection should also be considered. There could always be the possibility of derailment and/or hazardous material spills associated with rail traffic.

Geez, aren't we lucky - the site selected has the 'hat trick'

[WeBe204]

Where did you dig up this NSFOC fud!! It's fud!! I tell you it is fud! When will people stop FUDing around and get on board the truth train to the land of hope

(April Fools )


This is a nice paragraph as well:

Whether there is
lack of planning funds or an unwillingness to thoroughly investigate a potential site,
the consequences of a poorly selected site can delay the project for months, even
years. Months of hard work developing a floor plan, obtaining adequate financing, and
building community support can be quickly jeopardized when it is realized that the site
just recently purchased will require extensive development to make the school functional.
The cost of the site development might be so extensive that the project suddenly
becomes less attractive to the community.

[specailneedsmom]

We aren't working with the Build Smart plan, we are working with the build not smart plan or any other not smart adjective you will find.

[researching]

jb said:

I found this interesting - Illinois has a guide to school construction called "Build Smart", written by the Capital Development Board, which is the construction management arm of Illinois’ state government. CDB oversees the design and construction of new elementary and high schools. Here is an interesting chapter, I've clipped some highlights:

www.cdb.state.il.us/schools/Chapter3.pdf

High Pressure Gas or Oil Lines
A school built next to one of these lines can be an extreme hazard to students in the case of a rupture or explosion. A site containing these items should be avoided if at all possible. If not, extreme care should be used in locating the footprint of the school and location of easements should be investigated.

High Voltage Electrical Lines
These lines present several hazards for the school site. Electric and magnetic fields produced by the high voltage have been a public health concern for some time. The potential for downed lines and poles in high winds or ice storms presents yet another hazard. Easements can prevent optimal utilization of the property. Politically, high voltage lines can easily be seen by the community and, therefore, can cause the refusal of the taxpayers to accept the site as the place to locate a new school.

Railroads and Commuter Lines
Railroad and/or commuter lines located adjacent to a potential school site could raise safety, noise, and vibration issues. Community objection should also be considered. There could always be the possibility of derailment and/or hazardous material spills associated with rail traffic.

and just when I think this SB and Administration can't look any more incompetent or corrupt...

[concerned2]

Lets not forget about the wetlands.



Nonusable areas can either increase the amount of acreage needed or may render the
site unuseable. Careful consideration must be made when evaluating these spaces.
Criteria for developing these areas usually are established by local and state governing
agencies. The school district would be well advised to investigate these matters thoroughly
before any purchase commitments are made. To do otherwise, could cost the
district large sums of money and may cause unnecessary delays in starting the site
development. Types of nonusable areas include:
• Wetlands: Mitigation may require acreage that is unavailable.
• Flood Plains: Buildings should not be built in flood plains. It may be permissible
to build play fields in such areas. Local requirements should be investigated.
36

[fence]

On the upside, we are wholly committed to sucking.

researching said:

jb said:

I found this interesting - Illinois has a guide to school construction called "Build Smart", written by the Capital Development Board, which is the construction management arm of Illinois’ state government. CDB oversees the design and construction of new elementary and high schools. Here is an interesting chapter, I've clipped some highlights:

www.cdb.state.il.us/schools/Chapter3.pdf

High Pressure Gas or Oil Lines
A school built next to one of these lines can be an extreme hazard to students in the case of a rupture or explosion. A site containing these items should be avoided if at all possible. If not, extreme care should be used in locating the footprint of the school and location of easements should be investigated.

High Voltage Electrical Lines
These lines present several hazards for the school site. Electric and magnetic fields produced by the high voltage have been a public health concern for some time. The potential for downed lines and poles in high winds or ice storms presents yet another hazard. Easements can prevent optimal utilization of the property. Politically, high voltage lines can easily be seen by the community and, therefore, can cause the refusal of the taxpayers to accept the site as the place to locate a new school.

Railroads and Commuter Lines
Railroad and/or commuter lines located adjacent to a potential school site could raise safety, noise, and vibration issues. Community objection should also be considered. There could always be the possibility of derailment and/or hazardous material spills associated with rail traffic.

and just when I think this SB and Administration can't look any more incompetent or corrupt...

[steckmom]

specailneedsmom said:

We aren't working with the Build Smart plan, we are working with the build not smart plan or any other not smart adjective you will find.

Oh, it's gonna smart...

[WeBe204]

fence said:

On the upside, we are wholly committed to sucking.

researching said:

and just when I think this SB and Administration can't look any more incompetent or corrupt...

Yes, we should all be committed.

[kimmie]

Did the school board read this? I think not!

Build Smart???

Building schools, highlights from:

Chapter 3 from the Illinois State website.
__________________________________

Nonusable Areas
Nonusable areas can either increase the amount of acreage needed or may render the
site unuseable. Careful consideration must be made when evaluating these spaces.
Criteria for developing these areas usually are established by local and state governing
agencies. The school district would be well advised to investigate these matters thoroughly
before any purchase commitments are made. To do otherwise, could cost the
district large sums of money and may cause unnecessary delays in starting the site
development. Types of nonusable areas include:
• Wetlands: Mitigation may require acreage that is unavailable.
• Flood Plains: Buildings should not be built in flood plains. It may be permissible
to build play fields in such areas. Local requirements should be investigated.

Proximity of Site to the Geographic Center of the School District or to the Population Growth Area
The location of the site will need to satisfy political as well as engineering requirements.
The ideal site, based on technical analysis, may be less desirable due to its
location. In order to pass a referendum, the school district will need to investigate the
needs of the community. Does the community want neighborhood schools that may be
located on small sites that children can walk to, or will the citizens place a greater
importance on ample acreage for large play fields and adequate parking. These are just
a few of the compromises that will have to be considered when evaluating a site. In
order to successfully market a referendum, the school district must make these decisions
early and will need to involve the public as early as possible when choosing a site.

Suitable Soil Quality and Foundation
One of the investigations that frequently is not pursued early in the project is soil
borings. Soil borings are taken randomly around a potential site and consist of a drilled
shaft of earth. The earth sample is then analyzed for bearing capacity and moisture
content. The ability for the soil to provide adequate foundation-bearing capacity for the
building is extremely important in the selection of the site. A site with poor soil
conditions could require very expensive special foundations. In some extreme cases, the
building of a school on certain poor soils is just not feasible. Too many school districts
find out too late that the site selected has soils with inadequate foundation-bearing
capacity. Soil borings are relatively inexpensive compared to special foundations, and
results of the investigation can be obtained in a short amount of time. The school
district should direct its civil engineer to employ the services of a geotechnical consultant
to obtain soil information as early in the project development as possible. When
purchasing property, the district may place a contingency on the sale subject to a
favorable soil boring analysis. The school district may still decide to build on a property
that requires soil remediation. Understanding the cost involved with soil remediation is
important in budgeting for the project. Districts that have failed to investigate soil
early in the selection process have been subjected to unplanned costs exceeding
hundreds of thousands of dollars.


Environmental Assessment
Any site selected for school construction development must have a Phase I Environmental
Study performed for the site, per the IEPA. The school district will need to hire an
environmental engineering consultant to properly evaluate the environmental condition
of a property. The cost to correct hazardous conditions could be substantial or may
render a site useless to the school district.

Proximity to Airports, Railroads or Factories (potential noise and air pollution sources)
Political, as well as technical issues, must be evaluated when locating next to such
areas. The school district may have no alternative, especially in urban areas, but to
locate adjacent to these areas. The understanding of future development of nearby
properties will help a district avoid selecting a property that may be unsuitable for
school activities at a later date. For this reason, the district would be wise to involve
planning commissions and municipalities in the site selection process.

User Friendly Site to Public at Large
Will the school project fit the overall needs of the community? Or, will the project
create long term zoning and development issues that burden the community for years to
come? Will the site selected create parking problems, traffic congestion in quiet neighborhoods
or require long bus routes? These matters should carry a significant importance
in the site selection process.

UNDESIRABLE SITE CONDITIONS

High Pressure Gas or Oil Lines
A school built next to one of these lines can be an extreme hazard to students in the
case of a rupture or explosion. A site containing these items should be avoided if at all
possible. If not, extreme care should be used in locating the footprint of the school
and location of easements should be investigated.

High Voltage Electrical Lines
These lines present several hazards for the school site. Electric and magnetic fields
produced by the high voltage have been a public health concern for some time. The
potential for downed lines and poles in high winds or ice storms presents yet another
hazard. Easements can prevent optimal utilization of the property. Politically, high
voltage lines can easily be seen by the community and, therefore, can cause the refusal
of the taxpayers to accept the site as the place to locate a new school.

Flood Plains
Although some entire communities are located in a flood plain, these areas should be
avoided. Many laws and grant provisions prohibit building in such areas.

Railroads and Commuter Lines
Railroad and/or commuter lines located adjacent to a potential school site could raise
safety, noise, and vibration issues. Community objection should also be considered.
There could always be the possibility of derailment and/or hazardous material spills
associated with rail traffic.

Complete Geotechnical Investigation: Geotechnical investigation is basically the
evaluation of soil borings. This report will include such items as the amount of
soil bearing pressure available and the moisture content of the soil samples. It
will also include information as to soil types encountered and at what depths
they are located and the presence of water and at what depth it is encountered.

[doctorwho]

kimmie said:

Did the school board read this? I think not!

Build Smart???

Building schools, highlights from:

Chapter 3 from the Illinois State website.
__________________________________

Nonusable Areas
Nonusable areas can either increase the amount of acreage needed or may render the
site unuseable. Careful consideration must be made when evaluating these spaces.
Criteria for developing these areas usually are established by local and state governing
agencies. The school district would be well advised to investigate these matters thoroughly
before any purchase commitments are made. To do otherwise, could cost the
district large sums of money and may cause unnecessary delays in starting the site
development. Types of nonusable areas include:
• Wetlands: Mitigation may require acreage that is unavailable.
• Flood Plains: Buildings should not be built in flood plains. It may be permissible
to build play fields in such areas. Local requirements should be investigated.

Proximity of Site to the Geographic Center of the School District or to the Population Growth Area
The location of the site will need to satisfy political as well as engineering requirements.
The ideal site, based on technical analysis, may be less desirable due to its
location. In order to pass a referendum, the school district will need to investigate the
needs of the community. Does the community want neighborhood schools that may be
located on small sites that children can walk to, or will the citizens place a greater
importance on ample acreage for large play fields and adequate parking. These are just
a few of the compromises that will have to be considered when evaluating a site. In
order to successfully market a referendum, the school district must make these decisions
early and will need to involve the public as early as possible when choosing a site.

Suitable Soil Quality and Foundation
One of the investigations that frequently is not pursued early in the project is soil
borings. Soil borings are taken randomly around a potential site and consist of a drilled
shaft of earth. The earth sample is then analyzed for bearing capacity and moisture
content. The ability for the soil to provide adequate foundation-bearing capacity for the
building is extremely important in the selection of the site. A site with poor soil
conditions could require very expensive special foundations. In some extreme cases, the
building of a school on certain poor soils is just not feasible. Too many school districts
find out too late that the site selected has soils with inadequate foundation-bearing
capacity. Soil borings are relatively inexpensive compared to special foundations, and
results of the investigation can be obtained in a short amount of time. The school
district should direct its civil engineer to employ the services of a geotechnical consultant
to obtain soil information as early in the project development as possible. When
purchasing property, the district may place a contingency on the sale subject to a
favorable soil boring analysis. The school district may still decide to build on a property
that requires soil remediation. Understanding the cost involved with soil remediation is
important in budgeting for the project. Districts that have failed to investigate soil
early in the selection process have been subjected to unplanned costs exceeding
hundreds of thousands of dollars.


Environmental Assessment
Any site selected for school construction development must have a Phase I Environmental
Study performed for the site, per the IEPA. The school district will need to hire an
environmental engineering consultant to properly evaluate the environmental condition
of a property. The cost to correct hazardous conditions could be substantial or may
render a site useless to the school district.

Proximity to Airports, Railroads or Factories (potential noise and air pollution sources)
Political, as well as technical issues, must be evaluated when locating next to such
areas. The school district may have no alternative, especially in urban areas, but to
locate adjacent to these areas. The understanding of future development of nearby
properties will help a district avoid selecting a property that may be unsuitable for
school activities at a later date. For this reason, the district would be wise to involve
planning commissions and municipalities in the site selection process.

User Friendly Site to Public at Large
Will the school project fit the overall needs of the community? Or, will the project
create long term zoning and development issues that burden the community for years to
come? Will the site selected create parking problems, traffic congestion in quiet neighborhoods
or require long bus routes? These matters should carry a significant importance
in the site selection process.

UNDESIRABLE SITE CONDITIONS

High Pressure Gas or Oil Lines
A school built next to one of these lines can be an extreme hazard to students in the
case of a rupture or explosion. A site containing these items should be avoided if at all
possible. If not, extreme care should be used in locating the footprint of the school
and location of easements should be investigated.

High Voltage Electrical Lines
These lines present several hazards for the school site. Electric and magnetic fields
produced by the high voltage have been a public health concern for some time. The
potential for downed lines and poles in high winds or ice storms presents yet another
hazard. Easements can prevent optimal utilization of the property. Politically, high
voltage lines can easily be seen by the community and, therefore, can cause the refusal
of the taxpayers to accept the site as the place to locate a new school.

Flood Plains
Although some entire communities are located in a flood plain, these areas should be
avoided. Many laws and grant provisions prohibit building in such areas.

Railroads and Commuter Lines
Railroad and/or commuter lines located adjacent to a potential school site could raise
safety, noise, and vibration issues. Community objection should also be considered.
There could always be the possibility of derailment and/or hazardous material spills
associated with rail traffic.

Complete Geotechnical Investigation: Geotechnical investigation is basically the
evaluation of soil borings. This report will include such items as the amount of
soil bearing pressure available and the moisture content of the soil samples. It
will also include information as to soil types encountered and at what depths
they are located and the presence of water and at what depth it is encountered.

okay's let's add more to the hat trick - the site fails at least 6 of the criteria.


maybe this was used as a guide to see if we could miss all the criteria.

[JB]

Bruce Glawe just IM'd me - Illinois Gov't Guides don't apply in Illinois.

Does anyone else see an issue about digging into the MWGEN land to build the retention pond? It seems to me the combination of digging deep and water is a bad idea if we want to contain contamination.

[doctorwho]

jb said:

Bruce Glawe just IM'd me - Illinois Gov't Guides don't apply in Illinois.

Does anyone else see an issue about digging into the MWGEN land to build the retention pond? It seems to me the combination of digging deep and water is a bad idea if we want to contain contamination.

That's a great statement - what state does it apply in ?

[Avenging Eagle]

jb said:

Illinois has a guide to school construction called "Build Smart", written by the Capital Development Board,

This is just a simple case of buying the wrong book, and bad marketing on he part of the Capital Development Board. Our SB thought that the title "Build Smart" sounded a little too academic for them.

So our SB bought these 2 titles:

"School Building for Dummies"
and
"The Complete Idiots Guide to Buying a Good School Site"

[specailneedsmom]

Did Bruce Glawe really say that?