Dedham To Discuss Manor Fields At Special Town Meeting

DEDHAM, MA — Dedham has a set date to discuss the Manor Fields proposal, one more time. In November, a narrow Town Meeting vote technically approved the $14-million proposal but critics on both sides of the issue had questions surrounding the project. Dedham scheduled a Special Town Meeting for Jan. 27 to revisit the proposal.

The Manor Fields Project, proposed funding for a $14-million recreation complex on Town land known as the Striar Property or Capen Woods. Under the proposal, Dedham households can expect a tax increase of about $81 a year for 20 years.

On November 25, Town Meeting members voted to 148-to-75 to approve Article 6, the $14.5-million Manor Fields proposal, but making the project funding contingent on a town-wide vote. After the Town Meeting results simmered with members and residents, officials held a private meeting in December to discuss the issue and concluded that revisiting the proposal was the best option.

The Special Town Meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Monday, January 27, at Dedham High School.

On Thursday, the Finance & Warrant Committee held a public hearing to further discuss the Manor Fields proposal. Members heard Town Treasurer/Collector Jane Lepardo present information about the Town's current debt and projections through 2035. After some public comment and deliberation, Committee Members voted 5-to-1 to approve Warrant Article language being finalized by Town Counsel to advance the proposal to the Special Town Meeting.