October 11, 2024

Medway, MA — The Town of Medway is calling on residents to participate in a critical Town Meeting on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at 7 PM in the Medway High School Auditorium. One of the main agenda items is voting on funding for the design phase of a new Public Safety/Town Hall Municipal Complex, planned for construction at 120 Main Street on the former Medway Block property.

This project aims to improve the town’s infrastructure by creating modern and efficient facilities for public safety and municipal operations. If approved, the design phase will move forward, bringing Medway closer to developing a complex that will serve the community for many years.

The Need for New Facilities

During a recent meeting, the Medway Select Board and Town Manager highlighted findings from two years of studies and reviews, all pointing to the critical need for new facilities. The Facilities Study Committee, composed of local volunteers, and Gorman Richardson Lewis Architects, Inc., recommended replacing the current Police, Fire, and Town Hall buildings. The existing structures no longer meet the basic requirements for public safety or administrative functions, with key issues including:

Insufficient space for staff and equipment.

Inadequate accessibility for people with disabilities.

Lack of appropriate resources and facilities for the departments.

Key Benefits of the New Complex

Enhanced Safety: The new facilities will provide much-needed space for police and fire departments, improving emergency response times and operational efficiency.

Modernized Town Hall: The proposed Town Hall will centralize operations, improving services for residents.

Community Investment: This project represents a long-term investment in Medway, ensuring a safer, more efficient environment for residents and local government.

A Comprehensive, Evolving Plan

In 2023, Medway conducted a feasibility study that assessed the conditions and challenges of the current facilities. The town identified the 120 Main Street site as the ideal location for the new complex. Its proximity to the town center aligns with Medway’s Master Plan goal of revitalizing the downtown area and making it more walkable. This location also supports the town’s public safety needs by providing a central base for fire and ambulance services, ensuring prompt response times throughout Medway.

The Select Board, with input from the Town Manager and Finance Director, has developed a financial plan for the project that avoids the need for a Proposition 2½ override or debt exclusion. The plan includes potential revenue from the battery energy storage system (BESS) projects proposed in Medway, which, if realized, would provide critical funding for the complex. However, if these revenues do not materialize, the funding plan will need to be reconsidered.

In the meantime, the town will continue working closely with Medway Public Schools to ensure that the funding strategies align with the broader needs of the community. This collaborative approach aims to address the long-term facility requirements while minimizing the financial impact on taxpayers.

Video Series for Residents

To keep residents informed, the town released a video series in early October that outlines the findings from the feasibility study and the challenges posed by the current facilities. These videos are available on Medway Cable Access (Comcast Ch. 6 or Verizon Ch. 35), as well as on the town’s Facebook and YouTube pages. Residents are encouraged to watch these videos to better understand the importance of the project.

For more information or any questions, residents can contact the Town Manager’s Office at 508-533-3264.

We encourage the community to attend the Town Meeting on Tuesday, November 12 at 7:00 PM at Medway High School, 88 Summer Street, to make an informed vote on securing design funds for a new Public Safety and Municipal Complex. This project addresses critical needs in public safety and town operations, aiming to modernize and centralize services for the benefit of the entire town. Residents can play a key role in shaping Medway’s future by participating in this important vote. For more information, visit www.townofmedway.org/news

This article was submitted and paid for by the Town of Medway.