March 10, 2025 By Carol Britton Meyer
Town Meeting voters will be asked to approve funding for expenses associated with design, architectural, engineering, owner’s project manager, and other professional services for a proposed new $35 million Center for Active Living near Carlson Field. This location was deemed the most appropriate out of a number of options.
The price tag for this part of the project is $2.25 million, which is included in the $35 million. That amount is expected to be covered by the town’s “rainy day” fund.
The design fee covers local permitting, sustainability consulting, solar design, a traffic study, and wetland and environmental work as needed, among other project components.
The one-story building proposal includes a patio, gardens, on-site walking trail, large multi-purpose room, exercise, dance, and arts studios, auditorium, large room for playing cards, a greenhouse, and other features.
The select board supports this project, which Chair Joseph Fisher said at the last board meeting “represents a commitment to our senior population.”
The preliminary design for the 28,000-square-foot facility has been completed by the architect team and is supported unanimously by the building committee.
Potential fee-based revenue
CAL staff are evaluating the potential for fee-based revenue to offset the cost of the additional staff that would be needed to operate the larger, “more dynamic” center.
Project supporters say that the proposed location on Bare Cove Park Drive will be conducive to outdoor and intergenerational programming.
Town Manager Tom Mayo reported to the board that the town has gained National Park Service approval, which means no further federal review or approval to use the land for this purpose is required.
Voters will also consider a separate but related warrant article with regard to authorizing the select board to file a petition with the General Court of Massachusetts to allow the town to change the use of this approximately six acres of land to the proposed use and to authorize the board to acquire and/or dedicate any replacement land as part of the required land swap.
If approved, voters at a subsequent Town Meeting would be asked to approve further funding for the final design and construction of the new building.