An Update From the Town Administrator On the Senior Center Renovation Project

The Senior Center Renovation project, passed at Town Meeting in 2021, continues to move forward through the efforts of the Building Committee under Chair, Charlie Blanchard.  We have two staff members assigned to the committee: Facilities Manager, Robyn Chrabascz and COA Director, Leslie Wong.  The Owner’s Project Manager (OPM) and Architect are moving forward with general plans – and are hopeful to go out to bid to get construction pricing by March 31, 2023.  Unfortunately, preliminary estimates are coming in a bit higher than what was voted at Town Meeting as are result, predominantly, of continued increases in construction costs mostly due to material inflation.  As a result, I have reached out to Community Preservation in an effort to determine if they will assist in funding the historic portions of the renovation.  Additionally, we continue to look for grants and other resources to fill the gap.

On a good note, and well within budget, Leslie Wong was able to secure a temporary location for the COA.  We spent a good bit of time reaching out to see what was out there – and are pleased with where it looks like it may go for about 12-15 months during construction.  We continue to work with neighbors on any concerns they may have as well. 

A huge “thank you” to the Building Committee for their dedication to this project!