Selectmen Vote To Put Senior Center Feasibility Study On Warrant

WILMINGTON, MA — Town meeting voters will vote on at least one measure regarding a new senior center. The Board of Selectmen voted at their Jan. 13 meeting in favor of a warrant article for a feasibility study. The Elderly Services Commission had asked the selectmen to sponsor a $8.75 million article for construction, but selectmen said they wanted a plan before they ask voters to make a decision.

Board Chair Greg Bendel had agreed at the prior meeting to ask the board to sponsor an article. Town Manager Jeffrey Hull recommended splitting the project into phases, beginning with a $650,000 transfer from free cash for a feasibility study. Residents still have until Feb. 7 to prepare a warrant article for the full cost of a new center, if they so choose.

"Folks in town are going to know what they're voting for," Selectman Jonathan Eaton said. "I'm very wary of folks in town voting for just a number and having the government work it out."

Selectman Kevin Caira made the motion, and Selectman Jomarie O'Mahony made an amendment to require regular updates to the Board and the Elderly Services Commission.

"I know there's this fear that there's going to be a feasibility study that's out in the ether and we're not going to get reports," O'Mahony said.

Selectman Michael McCoy was the lone vote against.

At the Board's Dec. 19 meeting, members of the Elderly Services Commission argued for moving forward on a new building, and asked for the board to consider it at the Jan. 13 meeting. A new senior center is one of the pieces of the facilities master plan, which town committees began discussing in October. But the plan lists a variety of buildings in poor condition or in need of replacement or upgrades, including the Wildwood and Boutwell schools, and in need of major upgrades or replacement and the town hall. Committee members also highlighted the need for a North substation.

Hull also proposed a feasibility study/schematic design for a new town/school administration building.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.