I was a supporter of the Town Hall renovation, but given recent actions by the Board of Selectmen, I no longer support the project. The board’s insular approach in the last few months can only lead to a poor outcome.
The BOS chose to ignore the input of the Town Hall Building Committee and voted to move forward with a poorly conceived renovation plan of its own.
The selectmen’s plan has many flaws and is trying to stuff 10 pounds of program into a five-pound bag. For instance, the selectmen believe a slow-moving, single occupancy wheelchair lift is sufficient to serve a 160-seat public meeting space on the second floor. It is ludicrous to think this would provide fair and equal access even if it meets the letter of the law. Maybe we should abandon the idea of a large meeting room with a stage, but how will we know if we don’t discuss the options?
The BOS does not have the time, or the qualifications, to develop this project on their own. Some members of the board have stated, “I’m tired of talking about this.” Now is precisely the time to talk about the project to avoid making regrettable decisions due to a lack of information, and expertise. Project fatigue is no excuse for the poor result we will get with this plan. The Town Hall Building Committee has the qualifications and experience to put together a project we can all be proud of, and they are prepared to investigate and propose affordable options to the BOS.
THBC chairman Pete Jackson is a proven leader. Pete helped manage the new Public Library project during design and construction. The library project went incredibly well, was on budget, and is a tremendous example of what we can accomplish by working together.
Pete continues to be involved with the library, demonstrating an incredible level of commitment. The assault on Pete’s character and integrity by Selectman Blair deserves rebuke. The lack of support for Pete by the BOS was shameful.
This is not the project we voted for at Town Meeting. Rushing to spend project funds in the next few months is reckless and irresponsible.
If the Board of Selectmen continues on their current path, we should call for a special town meeting to rescind the money appropriated until a more thoughtful proposal is put forward.
Paul Richards
Westcott Road
