Norwell Select Board Approves Community Center Study, Debates Budget Cuts

Officials also plan to revisit controversial MBTA zoning vote

NORWELL, MA - June 26 - The Norwell Select Board approved a $100,000 contract for a feasibility study on a potential multi-generational community center during their meeting Wednesday night. The study will include public outreach, programming analysis, and conceptual design for the facility.

Town Administrator Darlene Sullivan explained the scope of the study: "Whether or not it moves or not, it's something that you'll have something more tangible. Have an idea on size, space, what there some of the steps are, public outreach."

Sullivan added that the study would help determine potential locations for the facility, including the current town hall site and South Street.

In a separate discussion, Select Board member Andy Reardon called for budget reduction scenarios to understand potential impacts on town services. "I'd like to see what would happen, what our budget would look like if we made a 2, 5 and 10 percent reduction in personnel," Reardon said.

However, Sullivan cautioned against potential staffing cuts, stating, "We are already thin compared to other towns with our staffing. We are not at the top of the pay grades for any of our positions."

The board also plans to reconvene discussions about the town's recent vote on MBTA zoning requirements. Select Board member Peter Smellie emphasized the need to understand the implications of the vote: "What are the implications of that vote for the town? What is it with the state? Do we have any pending litigation from the state against us?"

Select Board member Brian Greenberg expressed concern about state overreach: "I agree with you 100%. As communities stand up for our rights as a community... I just think at some point central government nonsense, it's not for us."

In other business, Smellie called for an audit of the 40 River Street affordable housing project to understand its financial performance. "I'd like to see what the numbers are. What are the cash flows, is it in the black or is it in the red? How many, what would have been the pilot payments paid to the town?" Smellie asked.

The board also discussed the need for an updated town mission statement and a review of the master plan. Smellie noted, "We have a lack of alignment and that plays out on town meeting floor when people don't know what's going on."

The next Select Board meeting is scheduled for July 10, where members expect to receive a preliminary report on the current year's budget performance.