Politics & Government

Foxborough Selectmen Look to Slow Down Town Hall Renovation Decision

Selectmen decide that residents need more time to absorb the project.

"We [Foxborough] need take a breath," was the overall message from selectmen James DeVellis in his response to discussion on the town hall renovation this week.

The campaign to launch an $8 million Town Hall renovation at the May 9 annual town meeting stalled this Tuesday night at the board of selectmen meeting.

Town manager, Kevin Paicos, kicked off the discussion of article 15 -the town hall renovation project - by saying that the building's current state is a known public health hazard.

Find out what's happening in Foxboroughwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"The building is a disgrace," said Paicos. "Something must be done."

Paicos went into further detail by describing the black mold which is spreading across basement walls, asbestos wrapped around pipes and deposits of lead dust infiltrating the ceilings.

Find out what's happening in Foxboroughwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The board agreed unanimously with Paicos that the building does need to be renovated or replaced.

However, the board decided that it was in the best interest of the town to wait 6 months in order to give residents time to absorb the plan.

"This project is an important project and the town needs more time to consider it," said selectmen Lawrence Harrington. "[We need} to make sure everyone understands all the issues."

DeVellis concurred with Harrington.

"At the end of the day we need a new town hall, but not at the last minute and in this economy," said DeVellis.

With budget cuts at top of mind for the town, the board felt it was fair and just to give Foxborough residents time to "breathe," considering there are still two renovation projects that have yet to be completed -the High School and the Library. 

The board voted 4 to 1 to ask town meeting "to table action" on the town hall renovation project until fall.


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