OPINION: "Voter is concerned about a "Yes" vote, here's why."

Medfield MA

19 October, 2021

8:36 AM

Description

Letter of Opinion... Voter is concerned about a "Yes" vote – here's why. What we hear frequently regarding a new elementary school on Elm Street is, "It will cost more in the future if we don't build it today." Hold on, let's consider the present estimated cost of the project and the financial impacts voters must carefully consider on November 7. Sources for this story: MSBC minutes, design documents and industry practice. 10.55 acres of open meadow, forest and 4 playing fields lost to make way for a building.95,000 square feet, mostly single-story and challenging design taking up said acreage.$82,000,000 estimated cost of the proposed project, which at present stage of design can fluctuate as much as 20%. As voters have heard by committees, "the costs never go down."$891.00 average taxpayer increase per home, per year for 20 to 30 years depending on financing option.2 water sheds at risk by the proposed project site, (Neponset River Valley and Charles River).2 critically important town wells that serve thousands of Medfield residents located right at the proposed project site.$175,700 annual estimated janitorial, landscape, maintenance costs on a new 95,000 sq. ft. building.158 additional parking spaces on 60,000 sq. ft.2,200,000+ estimated gallons of storm water runoff from roofs and parking surfaces annually, with the risk of road salts, ice melt and vehicle leaks reaching watershed.50+ LED light fixtures estimated at the site that will significantly illuminate an otherwise dark and rural wildlife habitat.4 daily estimated round trips bus drivers must make to and from the Elm Street location to mitigate anticipated traffic congestion at peak drop off and pick up times.3 total stop signs proposed at South and Elm streets to control the flow of traffic to and from the proposed location.1000+ students at maximum enrollment at the Elm Street Wheelock location. (575 for 4/5, 500 for 2/3 is possible given history of high enrollment). Could a large population lead to anxiety for some students, not to mention having many eggs in one basket regarding a violent intruder scenario?$2,000,000 the proposed cost to update the Dale St. campus for temporary use by Parks and Recreation despite the 2017 facility report provided an $18 million estimate. What the low guesstimate include, abatement, demolition of 1962 portion of building, accessibility upgrades based on appropriate building code, etc.?55% the estimated number of Medfield households without children in the public school system.19% the number of senior citizens that will be heavily burdened with the costs of this school project.370+ years of Elm St historical character and scenic beauty on the line. Supply chain risks continue to challenge schedule and costs and residents are concerned with an already costly project. Many believe a less expensive design at the Dale Street site is possible and prudent. Speaking of paths, in words by Led Zeppelin: "yes there are two paths you can go by, but in the long run, there's still time to change the road you're on". Jeff Hyman, Metacomet St., Medfield