Architect's code review eases some requirements for COA use of former high school

Beverly, the Council on Aging director, told the advisory board that the architect's code synopsis for the former high school has been delivered to town reviewers and contains several conclusions the COA is studying. Reading from the report, Beverly said that "the installation of sprinklers is not required by the general law of the building code due to the change in use" for the portion of the building being considered.

The architect's color-coded plan designates a portion of the north end as COA space, a separate area for school administration and a children's/recreation zone. Beverly said the board intends to use only the north end and would lock doors toward the middle to prevent access to the school side; fire doors and separations already exist that would create a distinct unit for COA activities.

Members asked about capacity limits, cohabitation with school programs during the summer, and any accessibility upgrades triggered by the change of use. Beverly said the report indicated no excessive accessible upgrades were triggered by the limited change in use but recommended the board meet with Ralph Souza (the architect) and with town reviewers to confirm interpretations before making scheduling or programmatic commitments.

Select board action earlier in the month approved preserving and reusing the former high school; the COA said it will continue to review the code synopsis and schedule a follow-up meeting (possibly a Zoom session) with the architect and relevant town staff to clarify outstanding questions and next steps.