Braintree to temporarily move veterans services to 74 Pond Street, plans permanent move to 2015 Washington Street

Mayor Joyce and town public works officials told the Town of Braintree council on Nov. 5 that veterans services will move temporarily to unused office space at 74 Pond Street during the week of Nov. 17 and will relocate permanently to 2015 Washington Street after accessibility upgrades.

The announcement came after Mayor Joyce and DPW Director Matt Jacques described significant repair needs at the Foster School, the current veterans services site. 2The building is very challenged,2 the mayor said, and DPW showed photos of roof leaks and heating problems. Jacques said the temporary move will give the veteran's agent an accessible office and a central gathering area while the town plans longer-term work at the Washington Street building.

Jacques said paving and exterior walkway work would be contracted out and that the facilities team would likely construct an ADA ramp. 2We are going to temporarily move the the veteran's agent to that space,2 Jacques said, adding the town must identify a funding source and schedule the paving with the contractor during next summer's project schedule. Town staff projected the temporary relocation would last six to 12 months while spring construction prepares the permanent site.

George Andes, the town's new veteran service officer, described operational needs that shaped the decision. 2We need the privacy to ensure the veteran feels safe to talk,2 Andes said, and noted the office's Tuesday coffee hour typically draws 2anywhere from 12 to 20 veterans.2 He said secure file storage, multiple private offices and a welcoming front entrance are priorities.

Mayor Joyce said the town owns the sheriff's campus that includes 2015 Washington Street and that the building is under lease administration through DCAM; she noted that the lease is up for renewal next year and the town will coordinate uses as negotiations proceed. She also said the town will hold community discussions about the long-term future of the Foster School, which will be winterized and maintained by DPW in the near term.

Councilors expressed support for a more presentable and accessible veterans facility. Councilor Hume asked what would become of the Foster School; the mayor said the town will revisit prior requests for proposals and host community meetings. Councilor Flaherty pressed for clarity about how the new space meets veterans' needs; Jacques and Andes described office privacy, storage and group-space requirements.

Next steps include the target temporary move in the week of Nov. 17, identifying and funding exterior work, scheduling contractor paving in next summer's project schedule, and aiming for a permanent relocation in summer 2026 after ADA improvements. The council received the update but did not take a formal vote on the relocation at the Nov. 5 meeting.