Sandwich Town Meeting Voters Set to Tackle Several Crucial Issues

COURTESY OF THE SANDWICH TOWN HALL PRESERVATION TRUST
Sandwich Town Hall

SANDWICH – Sandwich’s Annual town meeting is just a few weeks away, with voters set to consider a number of important issues.

Measures on the warrant include a proposal to sell the Henry T. Wing School to a private developer. The prospects for the more than 90-year-old facility have been the subject of much debate, with options ranging from razing to renovating.

“We have to keep in mind that any renovations or change of use that the town does to the building triggers automatically codes and prevailing wage and it makes it so much more expensive,” explained Board Chair Susan James.

Many have called for the preservation of the building, while others hope to see it removed and replaced or converted to open space or playing fields, all of these options would run the town millions of dollars.

Unable to agree, selectmen hope that a town-wide up or down vote on selling the property will help them move forward.

“We can go with the conceptual plans and just get the permission to go out for RFP’s,” said James, “We would then come back to town meeting for approval of what we would consider an appropriate project.”

Also under consideration is a plan to repair the town’s boardwalk following a string of brutal storms this winter and a move to repair deteriorating roadways.

Voters will be asked to approve an $8 million Proposition 2½ debt exclusion measure to fund the fixes via a temporary tax increase.

Residents will also consider a $2 million, ten-year bond to construct a new recreation complex with skate park and pickleball courts.

Sandwich’s spring town meeting is scheduled for May 7th.

By DAVID BEATTY, CapeCod.com NewsCenter

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