Committee flags landfill, soils and wetlands as key concerns in Southborough school study

Committee member Mark Davis told the group he has long been concerned about the on-site landfill, historic fill and subsurface conditions at the Neary property and urged that the consultants prioritize geotechnical investigation.

“We have not done any investigations below the foundation,” Mark said, noting borings near the east and south of the school showed unsuitable fill. He asked the consultants to look closely at soils under the building and to flag wetlands early so the design avoids triggering permitting problems.

Mark described the site as challenging — donated land with areas likely filled before modern wetlands protections and building codes — and recommended bringing conservation, planning and recreation representatives into early study work rather than leaving those reviews until permitting. He said that early engagement could reduce the risk of later delays driven by site, wetlands or stormwater issues.

Other committee members echoed the view that the building’s structural system and inefficiencies must be tested against educational goals to determine whether renovation is feasible. The committee requested consultants review prior borings and existing condition reports and to identify where additional geotechnical work and wetlands mapping are required.

Consultants said they would review the MSBA documentation and the website materials, schedule a building tour and incorporate any necessary site testing into their work plan. No formal decisions about investigative testing were made at the meeting; the consultants said they will recommend next steps in the forthcoming work plan.