“What I can tell you is that Triton was awarded the project because it was the lowest responsible bidder after a vigorous competitive process open to all qualifying companies,” said Barbie Thompson Lee, a Triton spokeswoman. “We are very proud and pleased to have the opportunity to perform on this historic project.”
“Triton had never worked for Parks Department before,” said Cristina DeLuca, a Parks Department spokeswoman. “Like all other bidders for this contract, they received the publicly available Request for Bids and submitted a sealed bid.”
DeLuca said the bidding followed the same rules that apply to all Parks Department capital contracts -- awarding a contract to the best bidder that offers the lowest bid. Several city agencies must give approval before the contract is executed, she said.
She didn’t indicate how many bids were received.
Acknowledging that using a non-city based company may raise questions, DeLuca said that procurement rules forbid limiting contract recipients to any geographic area.
“We are very proud and pleased to have the opportunity to perform on this historic project,” said Lee.
DeLuca confirmed that work is set to begin on Feb. 1 -- a short time to complete a renovation before the summer weather welcomes another open season at Coney Island.
“The contract will remove the existing, deteriorated boardwalk between West 37th and West 33rd Streets, West 15th Street and Stillwell Avenue and Ocean Pkwy and Brighton 1st Street. A new concrete structure will be installed over the existing structural piles between West 37th and West 33rd Streets and Ocean Parkway and Brighton 1st Street,” she said. “Wood decking will be installed over a concrete substructure from West 15th Street to Stillwell Avenue. Components such as utility lines, railing, benches, lamp posts, drinking fountains, stairs, ramps, etc. in these areas will be replaced with new.”
Lee said that local union labor would be hired for various trades on the project.
“The wood decking will be replaced in the historically sensitive areas of Coney Island with new concrete boardwalks that are designed to be reminiscent of the wood boardwalk,” said DeLuca. “The move to replace wood is motivated by concerns of safety and sustainability.
“Wood boardwalks do not last nearly as long as concrete structures, and the old-growth hardwood species needed for their high density and strength are only available from tropical rainforests – a source the City is actively trying to avoid abusing. Concrete boardwalks will require less maintenance, will last longer and will not burn, splinter, and collapse under the weight of emergency vehicles or develop holes where decking boards rot.”
