The council members delved into the evaluations of three primary sites for the new senior center, with Simon’s Way, Oakland Road, and Pleasant Street being the focal points. The discussion was comprehensive, encompassing the ratings and reasoning behind the rankings provided by key stakeholders. Participants weighed factors such as community access, the potential for future expansion, and the implications of traffic, noise, and environmental concerns.

One point of contention centered around the site at Simon’s Way, with members articulating the potential isolation of the location. Conversely, the development challenges posed by Oakland Road were also scrutinized. The Pleasant Street site sparked a debate concerning the suitability of its size and the design of the parking garage. Noise from pickleball courts was a specific concern, with suggestions made to mitigate the impact by strategically locating the courts.

The council recognized the importance of consolidating financial information and presenting it coherently to the community. Discussions touched on the impact of the senior center’s cost on local taxes and the necessity of clear communication regarding the financial implications. The timeline for making a recommendation to the select board was considered, alongside the feasibility of pursuing the senior center in conjunction with other significant town projects like the library and high school renovations.

In addition to the council’s discourse, input from residents was noted. Expressions of gratitude for the council’s thorough discussion were heard, as well as environmental concerns regarding one of the sites under consideration.