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Wrentham Select Board presses for regional coordination after Northfork migrant-housing meeting, directs staff to send letters
Summary
Following an informational meeting held by neighboring Northfork about housing migrants at a correctional facility, Wrentham Select Board members said they were not properly included, expressed concerns about school and public-safety impacts, and directed staff to send formal letters requesting coordination and invitations to future briefings; board members plan to monitor the July 11 King Philip Regional School District meeting.
The Wrentham Select Board on June 18 debated the regional implications of a state plan to house migrants at the Northfork correctional facility and directed staff to seek more coordination with neighboring towns and the King Philip Regional School District.
Vice Chair Chris Gallow opened the discussion by expressing disappointment that Wrentham was not invited to an earlier public meeting held in Northfork and urged better communication across the tri-town area. Board members said residents have contacted them with concerns about impacts to schools, emergency services and municipal resources. Several members said the Northfork meeting left many questions unanswered.
Town Manager Kevin Sweet reported he had received an email from Northfork’s town administrator that had been circulated to neighboring administrators shortly before the Northfork meeting, and staff have requested a follow-up meeting with state officials; he said the town has not yet received a confirmed date for the state-led follow-up. Board members discussed attending a July 11 information session at King Philip Middle School (6:30–8 p.m.) that the King Philip Regional School District is hosting to discuss communication, laws and regulations, student arrival plans, funding and Q&A.
The board unanimously directed staff to prepare formal letters to the Northfork select board and town manager, Plainville and Franklin select boards and town managers, and the King Philip Regional School District (and related state contacts), requesting clearer, timely communication and urging inclusion of the tri-town stakeholders in planning discussions. Board members emphasized they are not decision-makers for the state plan but want accurate information and participation so towns can prepare for possible impacts.
Why it matters: The proposal to use a nearby correctional facility for temporary migrant housing touches schools, emergency services and town budgets across neighboring municipalities; the board’s letters seek to ensure Wrentham receives information and an opportunity to provide input or receive clarifying details from state officials.
The board asked staff to circulate the July 11 flyer to the board and to confirm whether the board should attend as officials or as residents.
