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Selectmen debate Powerhouse renovation and town match as costs expand
Summary
Selectmen pressed Powerhouse representatives about rising project estimates and asked staff to revise the budget request so the town’s committed items are limited to essential repairs (ADA bathrooms, lobby and potting‑shed shell) while larger program expansions be pursued with off‑cycle fundraising and clearer donor commitments.
The Board of Selectmen discussed a larger‑than‑expected renovation proposal for the Powerhouse at Waveney Park during the Jan. 28 budget review, and asked the project team to narrow the town’s requested contribution to core items while the non‑profit continues fundraising for program and expansion elements.
Why it matters: the Powerhouse project has evolved from a limited ADA/bathroom fix into a multi‑component renovation that the nonprofit and project architects now estimate could cost considerably more than originally presented. Selectmen said the town must be cautious about committing additional tax‑supported capital until fundraising and grants are clearer.
At the meeting Patricia (Powerhouse representative) described the project as three linked elements: a renovated accessible lobby and ADA restrooms, an annex/rehearsal space (the “education center”), and work on an existing potting shed and courtyard. She said the project team has secured certain state and local grants and fundraising but still needs additional philanthropic support for the annex and for fit‑out of tenant spaces.
Public comment came from local resident Edel Flynn, who described the Powerhouse’s community value and urged continued town support while acknowledging the need for further fundraising. “I really do see value in this town,” Flynn said, describing the venue’s programming and youth engagement.
Discussion and board direction: Selectmen expressed support for completing the town‑owned, core elements — the ADA bathroom/lobby work and necessary potting‑shed repairs — but questioned advancing the larger education center without firm donor commitments. Several members suggested treating the annex/education‑center portion as a separate project that should return off‑cycle once fundraising targets and grant prospects are clearer. One selectman recommended that the nonprofit seek a clear written pledge of private funds before the town expands its capital commitment.
Budget action requested: the Powerhouse had requested three capital lines that together approached a substantially larger town match than the board originally anticipated. After discussion the board directed finance staff to remove the $500,000 annex line from the FY26 submission and to leave the $200,000 for the lobby/ADA work plus $65,000 for potting‑shed structural work in the capital plan, with the expectation the nonprofit will return with more detail and a fundraising plan for the education center.
Next steps: staff will revise the FY26 capital submission as requested and Powerhouse leaders said they will continue fundraising and apply for state grants; the board asked the group to return with clarified scope, a phased plan and proof of outside commitments before the town considers further appropriation.
