High School Renovation Referendum Passes 1,785 to 953

A proposal to spend $81 million to renovate Naugatuck High School passed after borough residents voted 1,785 to 953 in a referendum on the project Tuesday, according to preliminary results.

Shortly after the polls closed, the final results were announced at the Naugatuck Historical Society and train station, showing the referendum passing 65 percent to 35 percent. A total of 2,738 people voted, comprising 15.4 percent of the borough. There were 24 absentee ballots.

The vote means the borough will now go ahead and execute the funding for the project. The high school renovation and planning will take place over a three-year period, with an estimated completion date of 2015.

According to the plan, the high school would be brought up to government codes, classrooms would be redone, a new lobby would be implemented at the front of the school, the building will become more energy efficient and a number of other improvements.

The Rubber Avenue school will remain open during the renovation.

The plan will cost Naugatuck between $25 and $37 million, paid for through bond notices over a 20-year period. 

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