Residents voiced concerns about the Williams Field site, focusing on the potential risks associated with increased traffic and the site’s inadequate size. Jim Cooper, a resident, questioned the parcel’s capacity to accommodate a facility comparable to a small high school. Similarly, Richard Engel emphasized the dangers of heightened foot and bicycle traffic. Residents called for alternative sites to be considered and requested meetings to discuss the project further, although the scheduling of these meetings faced challenges due to summer vacations.

The committee acknowledged the importance of an abutters meeting to directly address the neighborhood’s concerns and provide more information about the project. Despite the expressed concerns, the committee was under pressure to stay on track with the state-imposed timeline, emphasizing the MSBA’s requirements for project submissions and milestones.

The urgency to proceed with the project was also reflected in the committee’s discussion about upcoming schematic design meetings, now virtual, with the MSBA. The committee noted that these meetings were critical for member input and questions. A recent community meeting and survey highlighted a consensus favoring the construction of a new school, with security and space being major issues. The committee revisited site selection discussions, underlining the weighted scoring process used to evaluate various options, including the water tower and will swamp field sites.

The survey results conveyed a stark perspective on the existing schools, with only a small percentage of respondents finding them acceptable. The majority raised concerns about the conditions and supported the idea of a new facility. The committee also took into account community concerns about tax implications for seniors and broader traffic issues, reiterating the need for community engagement throughout the decision-making process.

In terms of site selection, the committee reviewed a matrix ranking potential sites, including Glenbrook, Williams, Russell, and Turner, focusing on maximizing potential MSBA grant funds. Traffic impact and site accessibility emerged as concerns, alongside the loss of sports fields and the cost of demolitions. The necessity of a base repair code upgrade option, as mandated by the MSBA, was discussed, along with the associated costs of updating older buildings to current standards.

The committee also delved into design considerations, particularly the integration of safety features, such as separate parent and bus drop-off zones, and the exploration of outdoor spaces. The design discussions extended to the proposed building’s interior, with potential layouts for a cafetorium, gymatorium, and auditorium spaces being presented. Members expressed their thoughts, with one noting the innovative aspect of the cafetorium concept and its implications for reimbursement.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the potential construction of a cafetorium, weighing its cost implications and space utilization against that of a traditional auditorium. The committee considered the acoustics, building envelope, and functionality of the cafetorium, acknowledging the challenges of using such a multi-purpose space. The committee also reviewed various construction options, including code upgrades and the impact on existing spaces.

The district’s goals for the new school building factored into the discussions, with a focus on design elements like the auditorium and gym. The committee pondered the layout’s impact on traffic flow and safety, and the potential need for additional traffic measures, such as a new left turn lane on William Street. Ongoing traffic studies were mentioned.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on the school site’s layout and traffic flow, debating the merits of different access points and the need for traffic officers during peak times. The next steps included the completion of site surveys and tests, with a schedule for the next meeting and survey closure on the agenda before the motion to adjourn was proposed.