Multimillion-dollar project at Wayne preschool back on track after legal dispute

WAYNE — The Board of Education has approved a new contract for exterior improvements to Preakness School after its previous award was successfully challenged in court.

Trustees passed a resolution at their most recent public meeting to hire SMAC Corp. for the $3.1 million project, which will include brick repointing, new windows and a partial roof replacement.

The Saddle Brook-based construction firm was awarded the contract following an initial round of bidding, but that action by the school board was disputed by a Paterson firm. It argued in court that its competitor’s offer had a material defect. A judge agreed, and trustees were forced to go out for fresh proposals.

Story continues below photo gallery.

Schools Business Administrator William Moffitt said SMAC Corp. was the lowest responsible bidder of seven firms that submitted offers in the second round. Another company, Blackstone Group of Newark, came in with a better price, he said, but its proposal was defective.

RECREATION:Wayne YMCA to sell Pike Drive facility to township in historic deal. Here's the price

The century-old school on Hamburg Turnpike reopened in September 2020 to be an early childhood center for pre-K students.

Philip DeVencentis is a local reporter for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

Email: devencentis@northjersey.com