00:57The existing public works facility, originally built over five decades ago, is in poor condition and undersized for the town’s current needs. Since its construction, Acton has experienced substantial growth, with public roads increasing from 80 to over 110 miles and sidewalks expanding to 54 miles. The current structure lacks essential facilities, including adequate locker rooms and storage space, and fails to meet various building and safety codes. It also suffers from poor air quality, inadequate fire protection, and insufficient maintenance space for the town’s expanding fleet of vehicles, including public works, fire, and police equipment.

05:23The proposed new facility will be located on the same site as the existing building, with operations temporarily relocated during construction. The design has been refined through value engineering to reduce costs from an initial $47 million to the current estimate. The project is supported by the Select Board, the Department of Public Works Building Committee, and the Green Advisory Board due to its environmentally sustainable design. The average homeowner is expected to pay approximately $275 annually, with costs potentially increasing by 5% annually if the project is delayed.