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Westborough board hears $15 million estimate for new community center; town to narrow costs and pursue phased funding
Summary
Select Board members heard results from public charrettes and a preferred design estimated at about $15 million, and discussed funding options including Pulte stabilization funds, sale or subdivision of the existing senior center parcel, and requesting design money at Town Meeting to allow detailed phasing and public engagement.
The Westborough Select Board reviewed progress on a proposed community center and talked through how to pay for it after architects presented a preferred design estimated at approximately $15 million. Town Manager Christy said two well‑attended public charrettes and additional neighborhood workshops produced revisions the architects will use to refine final design and costs.
Christy told the board the town is not planning to borrow for the full build immediately. Instead, staff recommended seeking design funding first so the town can produce detailed plans, firm estimates, and a phased approach before asking Town Meeting for larger construction articles. "We have asked the architects and the OPM to give us a number for just design," she said, noting the library project followed a similar path.
Board members and the public pressed for clear funding scenarios. Christy outlined several possible sources: the Pulte stabilization fund (managing developer mitigation receipts) currently shows a balance of about $2.7 million and an anticipated longer‑term availability of roughly $7.2 million for senior/housing capital projects, proceeds from a possible sale or subdivision of the existing senior center parcel (43 acres) subject to Town Meeting authorization and further surveying, and approximately $1.8 million in borrowing capacity from a previously authorized account described as "sale of real estate" that can be used for borrowing. She emphasized any sale or use of those lands would require separate town‑meeting approval and full public review.
Several board members said they are not ready to bring a construction warrant article to fall Town Meeting and supported the staff recommendation to vote design funds first. One member said the community needs additional structured engagement beyond online comments so residents understand how programming and multipurpose space will work. Another recommended including a design requirement that specifies public engagement steps before any construction funding is requested.
Next steps are to refine cost estimates with the architect and owner’s project manager (OPM), complete surveying and an appraisal if land sale is considered, and prepare a narrower design warrant article that spells out public engagement and phasing options for a future Town Meeting vote.
