Next weekend’s Annual Town Meeting promises to be one for the books. We’ll be telling you everything you need to know in our Guide to Annual Town Meeting, scheduled for next week’s townwide, pre-ATM issue of the paper. But it’s not too soon to start planning.
Town officials announced late Tuesday night that they are expecting 800 to 1,000 attendees, too many to fit in the Bromfield gymnasium, the usual venue, whose capacity is limited by the state’s fire code to roughly 700 persons. Officials want to reserve space in the gym for registered voters and those waiting to speak on an issue. Latecomers, parents with children, unregistered voters and guests will be directed to Cronin Auditorium, where attendees can watch the proceedings on screen. More details are available at the town website.
The lines to sign in will be long. Arriving early would be a good idea. Doors will open at 8 a.m.; the meeting will begin promptly at 9 a.m. Parking will be at a premium. Officials are encouraging those who live in the center of town to walk, and those beyond to consider carpooling with friends and neighbors. And those with children should make plans for childcare or sign up for the babysitting service offered by the League of Women Voters at the Bromfield School. The cafeteria will not be serving food, so if you plan to stay for the afternoon session, pack a lunch.
Remember to bring your Town Meeting booklet, all 92 pages, which should have arrived in your mailbox this week or last. You paid for it. And don’t forget to bring along the May 4 issue of the Harvard Press, which will include our iconic Warrant in Plain English and other useful information. See you there.
