Feasibility study narrows Robinson school project to Abbott and Robinson sites; community forums set

The committee received an update on the Robinson School building feasibility study and alternate-site desktop analysis. Staff presented six town-owned parcels considered for a school project; many were downgraded because they are protected recreation land (Article 97) or designated water-supply land, which would require additional state approvals and extend the timetable.

Presenters said Robinson has constraints (priority habitat and a stream buffer) that leave only about 5.5 acres of immediately buildable land without demolition or occupying the existing footprint; Abbott's adjacent field offers roughly 11.75 buildable acres and currently appears less encumbered by Article 97. Staff emphasized this is an early-stage study and that additional site analysis and due diligence are ongoing. "This is part of the feasibility study to do due diligence and say, where in town would a school project be ... and do some desktop study to look at restrictions," a presenter said.

The project team announced a series of community forums (May 4 and May 18 in person at Robinson; June 11 as a wrap-up) and noted a sustainability working group will examine energy codes, life-cycle cost analysis and trade-offs for low-emitting materials. Committee members stressed the need to present thorough, holistic information to voters, including long-term facilities planning and how any Robinson or Abbott outcome would fit in a townwide roadmap.

Staff cautioned that the feasibility effort is resource-intensive and requires many meetings with architects and consultants; principals and teachers have been pulled into stakeholder meetings. The project will continue with further analysis and additional community outreach before any funding decisions are taken to voters.