Architects for Brookhaven’s proposed transportation facilityanticipate plans being completed around the middle of next monthand city officials being able to seek bids shortly thereafter.

During a visit Monday with Mayor Bob Massengill and City ClerkMike Jinks, architects Michael Barranco and Scott Williams saidplans and blueprints should be ready Aug. 15. Barranco said theyhope to beat that schedule if possible.

“We’re doing the details right now,” Barranco said, mentioningwindow, floor and other aspects of the project that will renovatethe old power plant building on North Railroad Avenue.

Barranco indicated plans for the inside of the building are ingood shape. He expected efficient placement and operation ofelectrical services.

“I’m excited about the way the interior’s going to look,”Barranco said. “It’s neat and clean.”

Brookhaven officials plan to use up to $1.5 million in federalfunding assistance for the facility. The money must be used by theend of June 2006.

Barranco said everything appears to be on schedule to meet thatdeadline. Massengill voiced confidence in the architects’ timetable.

“That’s wonderful,” the mayor said.

Massengill said city crews also have been busy around the sitein preparation for the new facility. He credited Street DepartmentSuperintendent James Griffin and his employees with performingneeded cleanup.

“We’ve gotten all the gravel out that was stockpiled there….,” the mayor said. “They’ve gotten a lot done.”

One issue to be addressed Monday regarded parking for thefacility.

There was a question about whether nearby land could be obtainedfor parking. Massengill said the Board of Aldermen had indicated nodesire to purchase additional land and planned parking next to bebuilding would be sufficient.

Also, Barranco and Williams reviewed plans for a 16-foot high”garden wall” in the proposed patio area.

In order to be within the budget, Barranco said some projectscould be included as alternates in the bid advertisements. Otherpossible alternates could be demolition of an old building on thenorth side of the power plant and a parking area on the north sideof the property, although Barranco said the bid specificationsshould not have any more than three possible alternates.

Regarding the bid process, officials hope to have those bymid-September. To do that, Jinks suggested the board approve thebid advertisement at the next meeting so the process could startwhen Barranco completes the plans.

“That may save us a few days or a week,” Jinks said.