Frequently Asked Questions

1. The proposal that was presented for approval earlier this year was for a building of 11,676SF at a cost of $13,2M.  In response to community input the MSCC reviewed the program requirements and determined the need remained.  The new proposal for the Mendon Center is for 9,644SF at a cost of $11,95M.  The town expects to bond 90% of the project which would result in a tax increase of between $130 and $135 (approximately $11.25 per month) on a house assessed valued at $500,000.

2. The need remains for a facility that can accommodate the program requirements for the Community and the Senior Center.

• No, currently the Selectboard is working with interested parties to create a Recreation Field Committee. That committee will bring detailed plans and requirements for use of available Town properties.  

• Many recreation projects can further be funded using CPA funds, which are raised through a 3% surcharge on property taxes.  (The first $100,000 of residential value is exempt).  A description of how these funds can be used can be found support recreation can be found here. 

• The Town is collaborating with the MURSD on School District capital needs, and anticipates working with them when the needs are brought to both towns in the district.

• The Town anticipates beginning the formal process for evaluating the facility needs of the Fire Department in the coming months. This process will include a needs analysis, including program requirements, and design, site selection, engineering study and cost analysis.

• State funding (Chapter 90) is currently provided for highway maintenance.  It is recognized that the State funding alone is insufficient to support our roads.  The Town Leadership is implementing a forecasting and improvement process to create recurring funds on an annual basis to expand the ability of highway maintenance, and is seeking additional funding resources from state and federal sources that will minimize tax impact for road improvement projects.  This initiative does not impact that process.  The Town conducted a pavement management study in the summer of 2023 which identifies priority projects. Those projects far outpace the funds received under Chapter 90. Last fiscal year, the Town appropriated an additional $250,000 (similar to our Chapter 90 allocation amount) for road repair and improvement. This November's STM will warrant articles asking to appropriate an additional $250,000 for roads and $300,000 for culvert repair, from free cash, which will not incur new taxes. The Town is committed to improving transportation infrastructure alongside its municipal infrastructure. They are not mutually exclusive tasks.

• Too small for the existing senior population (28% of Mendon is over age 60) and community population

• The Senior Center is the Town’s emergency shelter and the current facilities are insufficient for a town of our size

• Limited accessibility to one third of the facility (upper level) 

• Outdated electrical and plumbing 

• Insufficient space for simultaneous events and services

• Inadequate kitchen facilities 

• Turning away/waitlisting people for events due to space restrictions

• Restricted office space prevents confidentiality when providing services to people

• Insufficient parking spaces

• Dangerous street crossing to access the center from private parking that is increasingly limited

• Insufficient buildable land to accommodate building/servicing and accessible parking requirements

• Existing services (including the food pantry, emergency shelter, outreach and socialization programs, and community meetings) to relocate for a year or more until the renovations were completed  

• According to the latest ABC analysis construction costs are 37% higher than pre-pandemic costs

• The cost reflects the increased needs recommended for our community services and increased programming

• Emergency shelter capacity will meet statewide standards (including space, showers and storage)

• This is our fourth attempt at expansion to meet the needs of the growing senior population and the needs of the community

• Proposed new center will support both community and senior center needs

Unlike residential construction, this is a municipal building which requires it be constructed under both State and Federal Regulations.  Life Safety requirements exceed residential construction standards.  The building must contain a fire-suppression sprinkler system and water retention tank and must be ADA compliant.   The building is also being constructed to meet "Green Building” standards, which will reduce operational/energy costs of the new space.

• It is town owned municipal property

• It is centrally located 

• It is large enough to accommodate growth

• North Avenue traffic is 50% less than the current Providence Street location

The Mendon Center will take use approximately 3 acres of the approximately 20+acre parcel.  The remainder of the land is under study by the Selectboard for Town use.

• Provide space for organizations to meet and hold functions/activities

• Provide space for people to gather, socialize and build community relations

• Provide space for family functions and multigenerational programs

• CPA funds will be used to provide: Shuffleboard, bocce, pickleball court and a basketball court and ADA accessible walking trails

• Yes, no contaminants were found in recently performed soil testing

The building will be repurposed for possible use by other Town departments (e.g. Highway and Parks), saving future capital expenditures

The size was based on a community needs analysis and public input

Yes, this project is designed to handle future expansion.

• Yes, parking was included in the design and will meet the needs of the facility

• Parking design is configured to standards for senior centers for safe drop offs and pick ups, as well as ample design for community events and recreational use.

The facility will have minimal impact on North Avenue Traffic

• The building will be constructed as solar ready and using energy efficient technology.

• Grant funding for solar panels will be actively pursued.

• An electrical car charging station is being considered.