A new municipal building may be the most practical long-term solution for Mattapoisett’s aging Town Hall, according to a space needs study presented to the Select Board on October 13. But where that building might go, how much it would cost, and whether existing town properties could provide an alternative remain open questions.
Representatives from Catalyst Architecture/Interiors presented findings from a study intended to guide the town’s municipal space planning over the next 25 years. The consultants examined Town Hall and municipal departments housed at Center School, interviewed department heads and evaluated opportunities to consolidate services.
The study identified a need for approximately 18,500 square feet to accommodate municipal offices, the Council on Aging, Recreation Department and public health nursing services, compared with approximately 14,500 square feet currently occupied by those functions.
Renovating the existing Town Hall was deemed impractical and financially infeasible, largely because of its location in a coastal flood zone. Significant renovations could trigger requirements to elevate the building and bring it into compliance with current building and accessibility codes.
A separate structural assessment identified damaged supporting members and problems in the building’s crawl space. Capital Planning Committee representatives said some repairs may be necessary to keep Town Hall in service while longer-term decisions are considered.
The consultants also examined constructing a new municipal building while converting the historic Town Hall to another public use. That option presented similar challenges because changing the building’s use could trigger expensive code upgrades. A third alternative, distributing municipal departments among multiple buildings, was considered feasible but less effective because it would leave services separated.
The study recommends pursuing a purpose-built municipal facility outside the flood zone, with improved accessibility, parking, meeting space, storage and room for future needs.
During the discussion, officials estimated that a new municipal building could cost approximately $15 million to $24 million, depending on construction costs and the final design. No site has been selected, and no construction project has been approved.
The conversation also turned to whether existing school facilities could eventually help address municipal space needs. One possibility raised was studying whether school operations could be consolidated and Center School repurposed for municipal use.
Officials made clear that this was an exploratory discussion, not a decision to close a school. Any such proposal would require additional study, consultation with the School Committee and careful consideration of educational needs, building conditions, operating costs and potential state funding.
Members noted that school construction or renovation projects may qualify for reimbursement through the Massachusetts School Building Authority, while a new municipal building would not have the same funding opportunity.
The board discussed beginning conversations with the School Committee to better understand the long-term needs of the town’s school buildings and determine whether further study would be worthwhile.
Board members also emphasized the importance of comparing the costs of purchasing land and constructing a new building with the costs of renovating or adapting existing public facilities.
No final decision was made. The Capital Planning Committee will continue examining alternatives as the town considers its next steps.
In other business, the board approved a consolidated local permitting process for certain clean-energy infrastructure projects, following a presentation by Robin Stein, an attorney with KP Law, the town’s legal counsel.
The process, required under Massachusetts law, establishes a 12-month deadline for municipalities to issue decisions on qualifying projects. Applicants may choose the consolidated process rather than seeking separate approvals from multiple local boards.
Stein explained that the requirements are intended to coordinate reviews involving departments and boards such as Planning, Conservation, Zoning and Health. The board discussed how the new procedures would be communicated to the affected departments and commissions.
Building Commissioner Ken Murphy was designated as the town’s local government representative responsible for coordinating the permitting process. Town officials said additional procedures and guidance will be developed as the state implements the new requirements.
During public comment, a resident asked about the long-delayed solar project proposed for the town landfill. Officials explained that the approximately six-megawatt project had been delayed by electrical grid interconnection requirements but is expected to return for local permitting. No construction date was announced.
Following a public hearing, the board voted its intent to lay out Cooper Way as a public road, advancing the proposed acceptance to Town Meeting. Representatives of the property owner said the roadway had met the necessary requirements and received a favorable recommendation from the Planning Board.
The board also voted to open recreational scallop fishing in the inner harbor and commercial scallop fishing in the inner harbor and Brandt Island Cove, effective November 1.
Erika Corriea was appointed Treasurer/Collector. She brings previous municipal experience in Dennis, Lakeville and Middleborough.
The board closed the warrant for the November 9 Special Town Meeting and approved $798.75 for Council on Aging signage identified in the town’s Americans with Disabilities Act transition plan. Officials reported progress in addressing accessibility concerns at the Council on Aging, including improvements to its newsletter.
Several Highway Department vehicles and pieces of equipment were declared surplus and will be offered through a public auction process.
Town Planner
Victoria Alfaro has submitted her resignation, Town Administrator Mike Lorenco announced. Mattapoisett currently shares the planning position with Acushnet, with the towns dividing costs equally. Lorenco said the position will be advertised and that he intends to discuss the shared staffing arrangement with Acushnet as the hiring process moves forward. Mattapoisett currently shares the planning position with Acushnet, with the towns dividing costs equally. Officials said they intend to advertise the vacancy and discuss continuing the arrangement with Acushnet as the hiring process moves forward.
Discussion of a proposed reporting policy for boards and committees appointed by the Select Board was postponed allowing members more time to review the draft.
Town officials also addressed concerns about simultaneous roadwork and detours affecting Oakland Street and Water Street. They explained that unexpected deterioration of a sewer main required work that had not originally been scheduled for this period. The Water Street culvert project is proceeding under a grant-funded timeline, and officials said the repairs could not reasonably be delayed.
Residents were reminded that Community Preservation Committee grant applications are due November 6. Early voting for the November 3 state election begins October 17, with additional hours and information available on the town website.
Mattapoisett Select Board
By Jeanne Hopkins