Danbury officials are trying to streamline the process of getting approvals for the proposed Career Academy to meet the targeted August 2024 opening of the middle and high school.  A placeholder currently exists in the budget. 

Public Works Director Antonio Iadarola says the $57.2 million estimate is the cap of what the City would pay for the property and the Cartus building, but a firm number won't come until after appraisal and final negotiations.  The target closing date is July 29th, or within 60 days after the signing of the formal purchase contract by both parties. 

The City Council is expected to set the date for the referendum at their meeting next week. Iadarola says within a month after passing, construction will be ready to go.  All of the bid packages are ready and some have already been sent out and will be evaluated.  But Danbury can't award bids for any work until after the referendum, if residents vote in favor of the bonding.  He says the construction manager and architect will be on board shortly after the vote.