The Department of Public Works (DPW) Building Committee convened on September 24, 2025, to discuss various options for the construction and renovation of fleet storage facilities in Acton. The meeting highlighted four primary options, each with distinct costs and implications for the department's operational needs.
The first option maintains the current fleet storage size, with a construction cost of approximately $27 million. While it preserves the existing footprint, it has the highest cost per square foot and offers minimal cost savings, with only a 13.4% reduction from previous estimates. This option also necessitates the temporary relocation of operations and staff.
The second option involves renovating the existing building to stabilize its structure and improve efficiency. However, it only accommodates 12 trucks and does not meet the department's program needs, complying only with minimum accessibility and structural standards. This option is the most economical but fails to address the department's requirements adequately.
The third option proposes demolishing part of the existing building to add new fleet storage, with an estimated cost of $22 million. This option partially meets the department's needs but presents complexities due to structural considerations.
Options four A and B involve maintaining the existing building while adding new fleet storage. Option 4A, costing around $26.7 million, includes renovations for staff operations and a new addition for fleet storage, providing more space than initially planned. However, it remains less energy-efficient than a completely new building. Option 4B, with a cost of approximately $23.5 million, repurposes the existing structure for additional fleet storage but limits truck capacity to 18 vehicles.
The committee plans to conduct further comparisons of these options to determine the best path forward for the DPW's needs. The discussions underscored the importance of balancing cost, efficiency, and operational requirements in the decision-making process.