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Planning Board hears update on MUK concept options; board presses need for financial feasibility and sewer phasing
Summary
Consultants narrowed five MUK concepts to three alternatives (combinations of sports complex, housing, and possible school). The board asked for a 12–18 month financial feasibility study, clarified that sewer phasing and funding/grant options will determine development sequencing, and set a Select Board presentation for May.
Planning staff updated the board on the MUK (multi‑use) project public outreach and conceptual design work at the April 1 meeting. Kathy Williams reported that the consultant reduced five initial concepts to three alternatives that combine sports facilities, varying amounts of housing, and one option that retains a potential school parcel. The preferred alternative (labeled C in the consultant work) places a sports complex on one side, housing in the middle, and open space near Route 28.
Williams said the consultant will prepare refined renderings and a draft report for the board to review on April 16, with the goal of presenting to the Select Board on May 12. Board members emphasized that a full financial feasibility analysis — including private‑public partnership options, grant opportunities, and sewer extension costs — is needed and said that analysis will take 12–18 months. Members noted that phasing of the town sewer main and potential grant funding for infrastructure will influence which parts of the site can be developed first.
Discussion covered sequencing questions (which phase would fund or carry sewer extension costs), potential grant sources for infrastructure tied to economic development and affordable housing, and whether the town should pursue an RFP model for a private partner if the market analysis supports a sports facility operator. Staff and board members agreed more detailed engineering, sewer phasing and funding options must be analyzed before any final concept is selected.
Next steps: consultant to provide additional renderings and a draft report for the April 16 meeting; planning staff to procure or complete the financial feasibility study and incorporate sewer phasing study results; and staff will prepare to present the three concepts to the Select Board in May.
