Residents ask Board of Finance to restore $500,000 for Bradford Recreation Complex

Residents pressed the Westerly Board of Finance on a $500,000 reduction from the proposed budget for the Bradford Recreation Complex, saying the project is far from finished and serves multiple age groups and people with disabilities.

Dan King, representing the Bradford Community Association, told the board the budget summary states, "The board also eliminated $500,000 that was proposed for the Bradford Recreation Complex." He said the project has already seen "significant town capital investment" but remains incomplete for older children and adults, and described the planned facility as more than a playground: "It's a rec facility for all ages" that includes an accessible playscape, parking, restrooms and infrastructure already funded and later phases — multi-purpose courts, a basketball court, exercise/rehab stations, drainage repairs and small bike and skateboard features — that still need money.

"I would hope that you reconsider continuing funding," King said, noting the ad hoc committee initially discussed seeking $1 million but reduced that request to $500,000 to avoid bonding and to preserve long-term progress.

Resident Lena O'Leary urged the board to restore the cut, saying the Bradford Complex "will provide opportunities for recreation, connection, and enrichment" and that reducing funding now risks compromising scope and quality. Resident Rachel Tannenbaum echoed those concerns, referring to the site's history and local environmental issues, and said stopping the project now would be "a terrible loss."

The Town Manager responded to the comments by clarifying the record: he said the proposed budget "didn't cut any funding [for] existing funding for the project" and that the work already funded will move forward. The Finance Director was acknowledged but did not add substantive new funding details on the record.

Board remarks, delivered by the Chair, framed the cuts as part of managing many valid capital requests and limiting a near-maximum single-year tax increase. The Chair noted that the Board's proposed budget — which the board said includes a tax reduction while funding municipal and school operating costs — will be presented to the Town Council on April 6 and that the council will have the final authority to restore projects such as Bradford.

The meeting record shows motions were used to open and close both the school and general government budget hearings and the Board approved three sets of minutes by voice vote earlier in the meeting. The Board adjourned after closing the posted agenda; any change to Bradford funding will depend on the Town Council's review and final vote on April 6.