Politics & Government

Foxborough Selectmen Discuss the Future of Town Hall

Selectmen want to see further discussion and options before any decisions are made.

Foxborough selectmen engaged in discussion over the Town Hall renovation project during their May 10 meeting. 

The board voted at their April 28 meeting to recommend town meeting votes "no action" on the town hall renovation project.

Selectmen agreed that there needs to be more time for extensive discussion to take place on the renovation project. Selectmen, Lorraine Brue, told the board that William Yukna, Chairman of the Permanent Municipal and School Building Committee, has agreed to put together a small team to begin presentations in various public forums.

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Town Manager, Kevin Paicos, addressed the board with his thoughts on where the project currently stands.

"The town is going to turn to you [the board] for guidance. My proposal is to bring the building committee here and to have them give an in depth presentation," said Paicos. "It is critical to get this project done."

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According to selectmen James DeVellis, there is one critical question that has yet to be addressed on the renovation project - "is this [current town hall location] the location to do it?"

"Knock it down or renovate were the only two options I was presented with," said DeVellis. " [Considering Chestnut Green] wouldn't it be nice for fire and police to have town hall close by. Is there land over there? Maybe that it is more viable."

Paicos excitingly agreed with DeVellis. 

"I am compelled by the notion and the idea of town hall at Chestnut Green is very exciting," he said. "I would hate to see that ruled out because we never [looked at that option.]"

Chairman, Lawrence Harrington, transitioned into another option that has yet to be discussed. Harrington is not completely convinced that if town hall is rehabbed in it's current location, that the building would require any more additional space. 

"We have large rooms in the new public safety building and the library [might have additional space]. I just want to make sure we are thinking through if we rehab or build new that we look at how we are using all the space first," he said. "I am not sure you need to add extra space if you are using the space correctly."

DeVellis closed discussion by addressing several rumors floating around town regarding the boards decision to slow down the project.

"[The board] is not slowing down and not rushing in [because] the employees are not working hard or is going in that direction," said DeVellis."[Foxborough employees] are the bread and butter of this town - these employees work hard and I want to see this done right."


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