Town House Renovation Down to Two Options

The Marion Town House Building Committee has narrowed down its options for the renovation of the town house and the possible addition of a senior center and upgrades to the Taber Library from four to two final options, and they released the architectural conceptual renderings and cost estimates on October 4.

Town Administrator Paul Dawson briefed the Marion Board of Selectmen on these two options during the meeting of the selectmen on October 6 and thanked the committee for its diligence and commitment over these many months.

The two concepts left on the table now were identified as options “one and four.”

With Option 1, the existing town house would be completely renovated and an addition at the back added to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility guidelines. That addition would house a large meeting room for public meetings and events.

In a press release, the building committee addressed the multi million-dollar price tag stating, “Due to the long list of the building’s deficiencies and serious escalation of costs experienced in the building industry, the cost estimate is $12.5M.”

Option 4 incorporates the same amenities as Option 1, but includes an expansion and modernization of the library and the addition of a senior center/community center that would link the town house with the library. The total cost of Option 4 is estimated at $28 million.

“We think these are the higher end of the numbers,” said Dawson. With the bidding process, he said he would expect the actual costs to be somewhat lower. “[The plans do] sort of meet all the needs of all the different things that … have been identified. We know that the library needs some attention and that there is a desire and an identified need for a … senior center.”

Dawson said the building committee would likely present the two final options to town meeting voters at the Special Town Meeting on October 26 at 7:00 pm at the Sippican School, although the subject will not appear on the warrant as an article at this point in time.

“I have to say that the committee … has been very fastidious and very thorough in their investigation,” said Dawson. “They really have left no stone unturned.”

Board of Selectmen Chairman Stephen Cushing agreed.

“We’re fortunate to have a great group working like this,” Cushing said.

Also during the meeting, Dawson told the board that the town’s pre-submission project proposal for a $200,000 grant from the Buzzards Bay National Estuary Program for wastewater expansion to Indian Cove and the Mattapoisett neighborhood of Harbor Beach has been accepted and invited for a formal grant proposal.

“That’s a big first step in the way for potentially receiving this grant,” said Dawson. “I’m very pleased … and I’m very happy to present it tonight to the board.”

The proposed project would expand municipal sewer service to the Indian Cove neighborhood and a small area of Mattapoisett to reduce septic system-related nitrogen pollution in Aucoot Cove and its sub-embayment Hiller Cove.

The town would be required to contribute $50,000 towards the project, and the Buzzards Bay Coalition has pledged $10,000 towards the project if the town is awarded the grant.

In other matters, Dawson told the board that the town received two insurance settlements each totaling roughly $12,000 to cover the cost of damages to three town-owned buildings caused by a significant rainstorm in July. He is awaiting final confirmation from the insurance provider on whether a second rainstorm damage event from early September will be reimbursed.

The next meeting of the Marion Board of Selectmen is scheduled for October 20 at 7:00 pm at the Marion Town House.

By Jean Perry

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