Council orders engineering RFP and trust review after heated debate over Burrows Hill Park tiers

The Warren Town Council voted to seek professional engineering and design proposals for repairs or reconfiguration of the century‑old tiered seating at Burrows Hill Park and to investigate the legal status of the feature following a contentious presentation and public comment.

The planner presented multiple design options and condition findings, saying the existing concrete tiers are “very dense” and show significant deterioration; she recommended commissioning engineering and design work so the town could pursue grant funding and address stormwater and safety concerns. Councilors debated patching work estimated in the transcript at about $28,000 versus full demolition and reconstruction, with at least one councilor saying small repairs would be “not even frosting a cake.”

The council adopted three motions: to issue an RFP for engineering and landscape design that includes drainage solutions; to have the town manager and the solicitor contact the Joseph Martin Trust and the town’s insurer for a definitive statement on the trust’s interests and on adequate safety measures; and to task the town manager, town clerk and their assistants with investigating the Martin Trust’s records related to the park’s donation.

Supporters of preservation urged designs that retain the historic character while fixing safety hazards. One councilor said the conceptual designs shown still preserved the tiered shape while incorporating green infrastructure, and another councilor said replacing the structure could make it more fundable through state and federal grants. Opponents warned about liability and urged decisive remediation to prevent public‑safety risk; the solicitor confirmed the trust had flagged the feature as a liability in writing and recommended a definitive follow‑up from the trustee.

The planner said an RFP and preliminary engineering will give the town a realistic cost estimate and make it easier to apply for grants; she recommended that the town not remove the structure while summer programs were active and that immediate short‑term safety measures also be identified. The motions passed by majority votes; councilors said they expect further reports once the trust response and design estimates arrive.

Next steps: staff will prepare the engineering RFP and solicit proposals; the solicitor and town manager will seek a formal statement from the trustee on required safety measures and any restrictions tied to the original donation; and staff will return to the council with findings and cost estimates.