PEPPERELL – The Pepperell Building Committee invites the community to an upcoming virtual forum on the proposed Public Safety Complex, where members of the committee will provide a progress report on their work.
The virtual forum will be held on Thursday, Feb. 23, starting at 6:30 p.m. To join the meeting from a computer, tablet or smartphone, visit https://meet.goto.com/214774661 or call 571-317-3122 and use access code 214-774-661.
Among updates that will be discussed is the completion of a list of prequalified vendors that were investigated by a Prequalification Subcommittee, comprised of Pepperell residents who are experts in large building projects. To view the list of prequalified vendors prepared by the subcommittee, click here.
This May, Town Meeting will be asked to approve adding a ballot question regarding the Public Safety Complex to town election ballots, and the committee is doing all it can to provide information to the public in advance of that meeting.
Additionally, on Thursday, March 16, at 11 a.m., the public is invited to a St. Patrick’s Day luncheon and a presentation on plans for the Public Safety Complex which will be held at the Pepperell Senior Center.
“We would like to encourage all residents to attend one of our forums to learn more about this project in advance of the May Town Meeting, where voters will be asked to approve adding the Public Safety Complex proposal to the ballot and enabling all residents in town to have their say on the project,” said Committee Chair Catherine Lundeen. “We hope that all voters will take the time to learn more about the project, the hard work that has already been done, and the details behind why our first responders are so in need.”
The Pepperell Building Committee was formed in early 2020. The police and fire departments and Patriot Regional Emergency Communications Center work out of facilities that have been identified as having numerous structural and functional deficiencies. Pepperell Police and Patriot RECC are headquartered at the former Shattuck School, which was built in 1895.
The March 16 presentation will include an overview of the Committee’s work to date. Time will be allotted for questions following the presentation. Topics will include final design, including sustainable materials inside and out, and energy-efficient systems; initial permitting approvals; interior design; budget; ongoing working sessions; and a potential timeline for groundbreaking and completion.
The Committee also has scheduled a public session on April 22 at the Jersey Street fire station during the Earth Day celebration.
Those interested in more information about the Public Safety Complex Project may visit pepperellproject.com. Videos of Committee meetings may be found at Pepperell Community Media.