Despite Petersen Pool Setback, Mayor Sullivan Remains Optimistic

BRAINTREE, MA — The Petersen Pool project may no longer be as large as it was when it was announced in 2015, but Mayor Joe Sullivan said at a recent school committee meeting that he's looking at the glass half full.

Earlier this month, plans for a reduced Petersen Pool were shared with the Braintree Planning Board. Instead of a 157,000-square-foot building, the size will be reduced to 86,000 square feet and will no longer include an indoor turf space and training facility.

"In doing so, we acknowledge that lacrosse, winter baseball, field hockey, and other indoor activities will be taken away from this project," Sullivan said. "We heard some resident concerns and we understand the size of the building had some engineering challenges and some parking challenges."

While the turf is gone, the two rinks and 50-meter swimming pool with diving platform remain in the plan.

Sullivan said he expects the developer to file plan in the spring. During the December hearing, Planning Board members appeared receptive towards the new plan.

Image: File photo