Residents press council over school construction dirt, timeline; DUP plaster damage raised

Several residents used the council’s public-comment period Sept. 4 to ask questions about the new school construction site and to raise a separate maintenance issue at the DUP building.

Sean, who identified himself as attending on behalf of school construction interests, said several residents had asked why there was a "mountain of dirt" at the site. He said contractors have been moving soil to create level grades for building footings and playground areas, and he described an anticipated timeline: contractors expect major work to continue through the coming year, with occupancy targeted for a window after the 2027 school year begins so students will not be moved mid‑year. Sean said contractors expect to compact soils, form footings and create crawl spaces; council members and residents discussed the need for ramps and handicap access where buildings connect.

Resident Ellen reported interior plaster damage to the DUP building, showing before-and-after photos and asking the council to pursue repairs. Council members said the town has grant money to repair plaster on town‑owned properties and asked Ellen to bring photos to the next council meeting; they said the contractor (Hogan) had been responsive and that town staff would follow up with the contractor and with Sharon (town staff) to coordinate repairs.

Why it matters: Construction staging and site-management questions can affect neighborhoods and pedestrian access; the plaster damage was raised as a grant‑eligible repair to a town facility and the council agreed to follow up.