A major highlight of the meeting was the discussion about two infrastructure projects, Birchwood and Massav, which aim to replace aging gas pipelines. Eversource representatives, including project engineering manager Brian Marello, outlined the need to replace leak-prone pipes made of bare steel or cast iron. The Birchwood project involves replacing approximately 5,000 feet of main pipeline, while the Massav project encompasses around 3,700 feet. These projects are planned to begin in the winter to align with Massachusetts Department of Transportation plans and are expected to take about 100 to 120 days, respectively. The board raised concerns about potential road closures and traffic disruptions, particularly on Laurel Street, emphasizing the need for careful traffic management in coordination with the police department and the Department of Public Works.

In addition to infrastructure, the meeting focused on the redevelopment and preservation of Longmeadow’s historical buildings. The board discussed various challenges associated with repurposing older buildings, such as updating facilities to meet ADA accessibility requirements and modern safety codes. The discussion included examples of successful adaptive reuse projects, such as converting a neglected Victorian house into a mixed-use development. Emphasis was placed on balancing historical preservation with community needs and financial feasibility.

The board also addressed the financial implications of these redevelopment projects, noting the importance of evaluating the economic feasibility of proposed uses for old structures. While increasing tax revenue was considered beneficial, it was not seen as the primary goal. Participants highlighted the need for a hypothesis-based approach to assess the potential costs and benefits, including long-term community impacts. Members acknowledged the intangible benefits of preserving historical structures, such as enhancing community identity and potentially boosting property values.

Another topic discussed was the town’s partnership with the Energy and Sustainability Committee to promote energy efficiency initiatives. The committee aims to conduct 250 energy audits through a collaboration with Homeworks, encouraging residents to lower their energy bills. Efforts include mailers, door-to-door canvassing, and participation in local events like the Planet Future Fiesta. Additionally, a townwide event featuring a documentary screening on microplastics is planned to raise awareness about environmental issues.

The meeting also touched upon the Longmeadow Recreation Department’s financial structure, discussing strategies for cost recovery and program improvement. Concerns were raised about the fees associated with sports associations and the challenge of achieving a break-even point for aquatics programs. The board considered rolling back swim fees to encourage greater pool usage, despite the recognition that some programs may never be fully self-sustaining.

The Select Board further deliberated on the fiber internet project, exploring the potential for revenue generated by fiber services to be reinvested into community projects. The discussion included the statutory independence of the Municipal Light Plant (MLP) and the financial oversight of the fiber initiative, emphasizing the importance of transparency and community benefit.