Community engagement emerged as a critical element in the discussions regarding the Hawthorne property, with a community member highlighting the deteriorating condition of the building and the lack of effective public communication about redevelopment plans. There was a call for more neighborhood involvement to ensure the project’s success, emphasizing that transparency in financial aspects, such as the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) program, would benefit public understanding. The urgency of these matters was underscored by the board’s acknowledgment of the need to balance community input with timely decision-making.

Further complicating the situation, the Select Board considered the implications of leaving the building vacant, citing concerns about the costs associated with heating, electricity, and maintenance. They expressed a strong preference for finding a tenant quickly, with discussions about issuing an RFP for a lease extending 18 months to two years, aligning with the planned demolition timeline in 2028. The board also mentioned ongoing negotiations with a nearby church regarding the purchase of adjacent property, which could influence future development plans.

In addition to the Hawthorne property, the board also discussed the financial aspects of the town’s upcoming fall town meeting, scheduled for December 1st. Various articles were reviewed, including those related to fiscal 2026 operating budget adjustments and school department funding transfers. There was a focus on ensuring compliance with state regulations and maintaining financial oversight across municipal operations.

One notable topic was the conservation fund, where confusion over the allocation of interest generated by permit processing fees under the Wetlands Protection Act needed clarification. The board sought to rectify the misallocation of these funds, initially placed in the general fund, to support conservation purposes such as trail work and restoration of conservation lands. This matter was slated for further discussion at a future meeting to establish a clear path forward.

Another issue was the repair of the fish pier, where the board faced a budget shortfall against the expected costs. The repairs were not deemed critical but required attention to prevent future deterioration. The board considered scaling back the project scope to fit within the available budget, emphasizing the need for ongoing maintenance.

Community engagement and transparency were recurrent themes throughout the meeting, with discussions on improving communication about town projects. The need for a more accessible public information system was highlighted to avoid perceptions of obfuscation. The board proposed multiple communication methods to ensure residents remained informed about significant projects, like Veterans Crossing, utilizing QR codes and mailing lists.

Additional discussions covered the schematic design documents for the Hadley School redevelopment, addressing public concerns about design elements and community space. The board acknowledged the necessity of incorporating public feedback into planning stages and ensuring alignment with community expectations.