State Fish and Game Department Explores Acquiring Light Control Property

Hanson Senior Center expansion project advances with modular building solution

HANSON, MA - August 6 - The Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game has expressed interest in acquiring the town-owned Light Control property adjacent to Burrage Pond Wildlife Management Area, Hanson officials revealed at a recent Select Board meeting.

Joan Pierce, representing the Department of Fish and Game, presented the proposal to the board. The plan includes demolishing existing buildings on the property and incorporating the land into the protected open space of Burrage Pond.

"We would like to have the buildings removed, and we would take on that responsibility if we are able to acquire the property from the town," Pierce said.

The proposal sparked discussion among board members about potential benefits and concerns. Select Board Chair Laura FitzGerald-Kemmett expressed reservations about the financial implications for the town.

"I can assure you we're not in a financial position to make that type of a decision. We're just not. We're looking at an override," FitzGerald-Kemmett said.

Board member Joseph Weeks questioned the overall benefit to the town, stating, "I just need to see more. And I don't know what the benefit is yet."

The board agreed to further explore the proposal and its potential impact on the community.

In other business, Town Administrator Lisa Green reported progress on the Senior Center expansion project. Town officials met with representatives from Box Modular Specialty Buildings to discuss a grant-funded addition to the facility.

Green announced that the initial building quote came in under the $300,000 budget allocated for the project. The company can provide a turnkey building solution, including site work, plumbing, and electrical services.

"We're going to go that direction and just have all of that service under the same procurement rather than having to bid it out each separate service," Green explained.

The project is funded by a grant from the Executive Office of Elder Affairs. Green emphasized the need to complete the project before Dec. 31 to avoid losing the grant funding, due to non-compliance with the state’s MBTA Communities Law.

"We really want this project done sooner rather than later. For funding purposes," Green stated.

FitzGerald-Kemmett stressed the importance of clear deadlines in the contract to ensure timely completion.

"Whatever contract we enter into with them, make sure that we have a deadline. There is a complete understanding. I don't want to have to go to town meeting and say we thought we had this grant but we didn't have it," she said.