Lakeville committee backs virtual scan, budget study as first step in town hall reuse planning

The Town of Lakeville Town Hall Building Reuse Subcommittee on Sept. 10 agreed to pursue a three-dimensional virtual survey and a targeted preliminary investigation — including an asbestos check and mechanicals review — as the first step in deciding whether to renovate the historic town hall or pursue other options.

The vote to move forward with those tasks was recorded as an action item assigning the town administrator and staff to obtain ballpark pricing and prepare a recommendation and warrant language for the Nov. 12 special town meeting. Subcommittee members said the work will inform an options package that could include different levels of renovation and associated price tags for voters.

Why it matters: the town expects the current fire station to relocate in the next 18 months, which will change how space and utilities are used in the town center. Subcommittee members said they need up-to-date floor plans, a proof-of-condition survey and cost estimates before drafting a town-meeting article to fund design and further study. The group also heard a written request from Lakeville Community Access Media (LakeCAM) asking for space in town hall.

Subcommittee members and staff described the proposed first-step work as a low-cost, high-utility way to create an accurate existing-conditions record. "It's…