Community Center costs remain a question

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A recent presentation provided updates to the latest cost estimates for the community center project.<br />Photo by Maureen Sullivan

A recent presentation provided updates to the latest cost estimates for the community center project.
Photo by Maureen Sullivan

WESTBOROUGH – A meeting about the community center project provided some updates and answers, but some questions still remain.

During a presentation to the Select Board and Municipal Building Committee (MBC) on Wednesday, Jan. 8, Joel Bargmann of BH+A Architecture discussed the latest cost estimates.

Members of both committees voiced concerns on what needs to be repaired or replaced, especially the roof; and items that either will or might appear on this spring’s Town Meeting warrant. They also wanted some clarity on when the project — especially the senior center — could commence.

In December, in response to concerns about rising property taxes, the Select Board decided to postpone a request to construct a senior center until at least the fall of 2025. This was done to allow the Westborough Public Library repair project to come before Town Meeting.

While plans for the senior center won’t be part of the warrant this spring, other portions of the community center project will come forth.

(Graphic/Community Advocate)

(Graphic/Community Advocate)

Plans to repair the pool will come before Town Meeting as part of the Capital Improvement Plan. Current costs total $406,521, and the project would include replacing the pool liner; pool fittings and deck equipment; pool filtration system and equipment; and soft costs.

The project to replace the rooftop heating, ventilation and air conditioning units is also likely to come before Town Meeting, according to Town Manager Kristi Williams.

Total costs are estimated at $989,500. These costs include equipment and labor; replacement of the “poolpak” (to maintain the swimming pool); testing, inspection and commissioning; and contingency. The HVAC units (but not the poolpak) would qualify for MassSave rebates totaling $523,250 for a total cost to the town of $466,250.

The company charged with the roof repair, Greenwood Industries, recommended having the HVAC units replaced before repairs to the roof begin — a recommendation that Bargmann backed up. Roof repairs are currently estimated at $249,800. This cost includes repairs; anticipated damage during HVAC replacement; re-warranty of the roof; and contingency.

MBC Chair Al Gordon said while the units are still working, “they’re getting to the point” where they need to be replaced.

Select Board member Shelby Marshall said she supports the staggered approach being used to phase in the project and appreciated getting the latest cost estimates.

“I remain largely in support of what we’re doing here and the timing of the phasing [of the project],” said Marshall.

She also approved of the decision to have the library use the community center as temporary space should its repair project be approved at the Annual Town Meeting this March.

“What I don’t know right now, and many people have approached me on this, is what is the start timing of the community center,” she said.

Other cost estimates

Senior Center – Had the project been approved for funding in May 2025, the total costs would have been $9.892 million. This figure includes construction; furniture, fixtures, audio/visual and IT equipment; soft costs (including an on-site representative overseeing the project); and contingency.

“$9.8 million will give you a full senior center,” said Bargmann.

Bargmann also presented escalation costs for inflation.

Should the project begin in the fall, $169,000 would be added to the total. A start date of April 2026 would add $276,000 to the total; should the project begin in April 2027, the additional costs would be $522,000.

Alternate Costs for Senior Center  – A new elevator to the second floor would cost $981,000; a new stairway to the second floor would be $228,000. Both alternates, if approved, would be located close to the center of the first floor, between the senior center and where the library would be temporarily located.

The cost to build two new program rooms on the first floor would be $880,000; a new accessible entrance to the proposed auditorium would be $626,000; and a new emergency generator for the building would cost $548,000. The generator could be covered with a state grant, since it would qualify the center as an emergency shelter.

Exterior Wall Repairs – The costs to repair and replace mortar joints, damaged bricks, window sealant joints and do exterior painting would be about $75,000. 

Site Repair Costs – The costs to repair the parking lot (striping and making accessible spaces), and to repair the sidewalk, retaining walls and landscape areas, as well as contingency costs, would be $50,000.

According to Williams, the site repair work could be done by the Department of Public Works as part of the center’s regular maintenance.

See the entire presentation at https://ma-westborough.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/4609/Updated-Design-and-Cost-Presentation—January-8-2025?bidId=

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