Committee to Peruse Track Proposal

While the Board of Selectmen voted Wednesday to have a building committee look more closely at a high school track/multi-use field proposal, several of its members made it clear they weren’t convinced the field itself it is a high priority for the town in light of numerous other capital needs.

The proposed multi-use field, which includes parking lot and vehicle access changes, was referred to the Permanent Municipal Building Committee (PMBC) in order to gather more information for the Capital Projects Study Group

The group, with school board members, selectmen, town staff and administrators, has been looking at projects with the idea of eventually proposing a bonding package for the town.

Selectmen also referred roof replacement proposals for three schools and the community center to the PMBC.

The two projects, along with pavement management (road projects and repairs) and a new town highway garage, are among those the study group has looked at.

Chief Administrative Officer Robert Skinner said, however, that the group has not made any final proposals, is still gathering information, and wants the PMBC to look at the feasibility, cost and potential alternatives for the roof and track projects.  

The general track concept is to build a six-lane synthetic track and multi-use field on the west side of Canton High School, a new girls softball field on the opposite side near Simonds Avenue, revamp the school’s parking lot and create a new exit out of the lot. Last December, the Board of Education voted to support the project and have Superintendent Kevin Case to begin discussions with the town.

Cost was estimated at $4 to $5 million but Skinner told selectmen Wednesday that in addition to having the numbers studied more closely there are many different ways the project could move forward, such as a mix of bonding and fundraising or separating the driveway and lot changes into the pavement management program.

In light of Americans With Disabilities Act issues, needed code work at Town Hall, road disrepair, and the continuing search new town garage location and eventual building, several selectmen said a new field is a hard sell.

Selectman Stephen Roberto referenced having outdated numbers when discussing the garage project in the past. He asked if a similar situation might emerge.

“Now we’re going to put some numbers here on a project that in my eyes may not rise to the top of the priority list,” Roberto said.

Barlow said, “I can see the parking lot access and egress but I’m going to have to be convinced on the field.”

In the end, selectmen did vote to refer the items, reiterating that it did not indicate they were committed to them at this time.