Community meeting surfaces housing and community‑center options for Stephen Palmer site

A community meeting about the future of the Stephen Palmer property attracted roughly 50 in-person attendees and more than 30 online, and generated a mix of ideas that ranged from senior and affordable housing to a community or teen center, committee members reported Jan. 26.

"I think the 2 biggest needs identified were housing, specifically senior and affordable housing, and then a community center, teen center," said Speaker 7, who summarized the meeting for the Finance Committee. Speaker 7 said the meeting used an overview, Q&A and small table discussions that surfaced priorities and trade-offs, and that opinion was split on whether the existing building should be preserved.

Speaker 7 noted the Select Board voted to add a school committee member to the Palmer committee because the school committee retains jurisdiction over the land; that means the school committee will participate in decisions about disposition or reuse.

Consultants will distill feedback into three viable options for further public review and the committee expects two more community meetings. Speakers said priorities voiced by residents emphasized Town ownership of the land even where some supported redevelopment.

Committee members discussed financial and legal questions tied to reuse options, including whether the town would sell, convey or pursue a long-term lease and how any disposal might affect new growth and tax revenue. Presenters cautioned that the community meeting was intentionally high level and that cost and financing details will be addressed as options are narrowed.

The Finance Committee said it will revisit the project as consultants present refined options and added that further outreach is scheduled ahead of the committee’s next meeting Feb. 5.