Petersen Pool Could Get Final Approvals Before Year's End

Petersen Pool is closer to becoming a reality than ever before, according to Mayor Joseph Sullivan.

Speaking at Monday night’s school committee meeting, Sullivan updated the board on a meeting for the complex that took place in his office Friday.

The building, to be located at Braintree High School, is now 154,000 square feet, down from 171,000. According to Sullivan, the lost space was mainly in some common areas, with the sporting areas remaining as is.

Parking continues to be a priority with 600 spaces at the high school currently available and another 109 on the way. Sullivan said he would like to see the number of new spaces increase beyond what is planned.

In addition to the pool, two ice rinks and a field house for athletics will be a part of the new complex.

Currently, the proposed building will need hearings in front of the planning board and zoning board of appeals, which could happen next month. At the earliest, both boards could sign off on the project by the end of the year.

“There’s been a lot of effort to make this come together. We’re hoping for a Christmas gift, might be a New Year’s gift,” Sullivan said.

Once approved, Petersen Pool is likely to take 14-17 months to construct with the grand opening slated for 2017.