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Select Board backs interim-use approach for former Johnson Elementary with public input process
Summary
Town staff outlined a timeline and matrix to solicit resident input and nonprofit proposals for interim uses of the Johnson property; the board and public pressed for clarity on term length, ADA upgrades, financial responsibilities and how public access will be protected.
The Select Board on July 8 reviewed a staff proposal to pursue short-term, interim uses for the former Johnson Elementary School and directed staff to gather resident and organizational inputs through a two-week survey and follow-up discovery meetings.
Town communications director Jay Poorpaddock presented a matrix and schedule that would open resident input in July, collect organizational proposals in September, hold an interactive public workshop in October, and return a report to the board in December 2026 with an anticipated vote on endorsed interim concepts by June 2027. Poorpaddock said the approach seeks to "activate" the building in the near term while preserving fiscal prudence and allowing due-diligence studies January–March 2027.
Board members sought guardrails. Mr. Jacobs asked whether the three-year minimum term in the matrix had a maximum; staff said no maximum is currently set but the board could require one. Jacobs said the minimum is useful so organizations know whether their investments are viable and urged clarity on whether uses could become effectively permanent.
On accessibility, residents and board members asked who would fund ADA upgrades. Mr. Erickson said ADA needs depend on the proposed use and "we would likely then put it on the user to figure out how to fund that rather than have the town put much capital into this building at this point until we know a permanent use"; he also acknowledged town appropriations could be required for school uses and would need Town Meeting action.
Public commenters urged broad nonprofit outreach and suggested convening organizations through regional bodies such as the Community Foundation for MetroWest and MetroWest Nonprofit Network. Paul Joseph, chair of the Economic Development Committee, recommended open-house tours for potential nonprofit partners and highlighted convening groups to reach smaller place‑based nonprofits.
Staff said the matrix will capture "needs" for each proposal — impacts on parking, grounds, playgrounds and exclusivity — and discovery meetings would clarify any limits on public access. Financial approaches presented in the matrix include reduced or nominal leases (for example, $1/year) or market-rate leases with required improvements; Poorpaddock said organizations would propose the financial approach and town staff would negotiate details during due diligence.
The board did not take a formal vote to adopt a single interim use at the meeting. Board members generally expressed support for the process and urged staff to ensure adequate outreach and clear cost and access expectations before proposals are finalized. The board plans to review the survey results and organizational inputs and to schedule further workshops and design-stage decisions over the coming year.
