In a pivotal session that defined the future of the Mattacheese school site, the Madakis Utilization Committee prioritized fiscal efficiency and housing density, moving to mandate residential development across all future site plans while favoring a $16.5 million new construction project over a more expensive $25.6 million renovation. The decisions, reached during a hybrid meeting on October 8, follow a detailed analysis of the aging facility’s existing conditions and the town’s long-term recreational needs.

Todd from Catalyst Architects presented a stark financial comparison between rehabilitating the existing Mattacheese structure and starting fresh. While a conservative estimate for simple demolition sits at $3.7 million, the cost to convert the current auditorium and gymnasium wing into a modern recreation center reached $25.6 million. In contrast, the architects proposed a baseline building program for a brand-new 18,300-square-foot facility—featuring a high-school-sized gymnasium and multipurpose rooms—for approximately $16.5 million. Todd noted that Scenario C is an all-new facility, explaining that the estimate for basic repairs to the current building did not even include necessary accessibility upgrades. When Chair Sharon Lymer asked, Does that include full ADA? Todd clarified that the basic repair estimates were merely a point-in-time calculation of failing items, not a path to legal occupancy.

The committee’s debate intensified over the inclusion of housing on the property. While Jeff Bagg of BSC Group presented several theoretical bubble diagrams—some emphasizing regional sports facilities and others focusing on elementary school space—a majority of the committee felt housing must be a non-negotiable component of the site's redevelopment. Lindsay Petro advocated for the requirement, suggesting that the town include some sort of housing in every version of the plan presented to the Select Board. This proposal met resistance from members who preferred more flexibility. Andrew Leard argued against hamstringing the committee by requiring housing in every scenario, a sentiment echoed by Barbara Leavoyne. Despite the dissent, the committee pushed forward with a mandate to include residential units in all three conceptual site plans currently under development. Motion Made by L. Petro to recommend that housing of some sort be included in all three conceptual site plans. Motion Passed (5-2-0) with A. Leard and B. Leavoyne voting in the negative.

The committee also took a firm stance against using the site for municipal offices, citing a staggering $55 million cost and a lack of documented need for such a massive expansion of town workspace. B. Leavoyne noted, I thought we were told not to look at municipal offices, leading consultant Heather Harper to explain that the option would remain in the final report largely as a cautionary tale. I think it's going to be part of the narrative in the memo to the Select Board, Harper said. We looked at this price, it's too high, we don't have the need for this much municipal office, and that's why you might say we're not pursuing it. The committee voted (7-0-0) to recommend against the inclusion of municipal services or offices on the site.

Infrastructure and demolition logistics also took center stage. The committee reached a consensus that the primary classroom wings of the Mattacheese school are beyond their useful life. A. Leard stated, I am in favor of demolishing the school buildings with the gym and auditorium to be determined. Motion Made by A. Leard to recommend preliminary approval to demolish the majority of Mattacheese school buildings, excluding the gymnasium/auditorium. Motion Passed (7-0-0) with J. Podska providing the second.

However, the fate of the existing gymnasium and auditorium saw a shift in strategy. While there was initial interest in preservation, the nearly $10 million savings associated with new construction changed the calculation. A. Leard remarked, If we're going to do a private-public partnership and they build a giant sports facility and the recreation department has access, let's demolish. It's a no-brainer. B. Leavoyne agreed, adding that keeping it at this moment in time given the cost is just kicking the can down the road. Motion Made by A. Leard to demolish the gymnasium and auditorium provided that at a minimum one of the three recommendations includes a place for a town recreation facility. Motion Passed (7-0-0) with C. Schmidt providing the second.

Looking ahead, the committee formalized several other requirements for the final site concepts, including the reservation of land for a potential new Emmy Small elementary school and the inclusion of a 120,000-square-foot regional sports facility in at least one scenario. Motion Made by L. Petro to recommend the concept of a regional sports facility be included in one or more of the conceptual site plans. Motion Passed (7-0-0). The committee also voted (7-0-0) to recommend that space for a new elementary school be included in one conceptual site plan.

Town Administrator Robert Whritenour and the committee staff will now work to finalize these recommendations for a presentation to the Select Board on November 4. Due to the complexity of the newly mandated site layouts, Jeff Bagg noted that the timeline for public engagement would shift. We won't have finalized drawings for the 11th of December, Bagg explained. We would push the community meeting to February.