High School Renovation, Public Safety Building Work Top Special Town Meeting

NEEDHAM, MA — If it feels like Town Meeting is creeping up earlier than usual, that's because the fall edition is being held earlier than usual.

Town Meeting members will meet on Oct. 2 to consider 14 articles, including one that calls for a renovation and addition for Needham High School and a few dedicated to the expansion and reconstruction of the Public Safety Building.

If approved, Article 11 would allow the town to move forward with a $14.1 million addition and renovation for the high school. The renovation calls for 10 new classrooms, a three-story addition on the Webster Street side, current classroom renovation, the renovation of gym A, and a new chiller. The Annual Town Meeting approved $1.075 million for the project design and approval at this upcoming town meeting would authorize the use of the balance of the funds needed to complete the project.

As part of the public safety building project, Article 7 would authorize the selectmen to purchase 43 Lincoln St. If approved, the town will gain ownership of the entire block bordered by School Street, Chestnut Street, Lincoln Street, and the Chestnut/Lincoln lot, allowing the town to increase municipal parking and allow for the expansion of the public safety building.

"The acquisition will both improve the design of the project and also obviate the need to eliminate parking currently dedicated for public use. The property consists of approximately .26 acres. No appropriation is required for the acquisition – the Board of Selectmen negotiated a mitigation agreement with the developer of the Second Avenue Residences to support enhancements to public safety facilities," the article reads.

As part of the project, Article 10 calls for the town to appropriate $3.75 million for the engineering and design for the reconstruction of the public safety building and fire station 2.

"The amount of space that was originally allocated within both buildings for the Police and Fire Departments is no longer sufficient to accommodate changes in operations, changing personnel needs, technology upgrades, and security improvements, and neither station is fully accessible for individuals with limited mobility," the article reads.

The Special Town Meeting will take place at Needham Town Hall. Click here to read the full warrant.

Image: File Photo