Community center work starts this week

After years of studying, planning, discussion, and Town Meeting votes, the community center project expects to break ground on Friday, July 18.

The final hurdle for getting the project underway was when voters in June approved using $2.33 million from the town’s stabilization fund to cover a budget shortfall that became apparent when all the construction bids were over budget. Voters OK’d a $24.02 million budget for the project at the March 2024 Annual Town Meeting (see all Lincoln Squirrel community center stories here.)

According to statement released on July 17 by Community Center Building Committee (CCBC), the first phase of construction will last through the summer and will include installation of erosion controls and fencing to ensure environmental protection and site safety, and abatement and demolition of the existing Hartwell pods.
 
All asbestos abatement work is being performed by a licensed asbestos contractor in full accordance with EPA Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act, MassDEP, and Department of Labor Standards asbestos regulations, the CCBC said. A detailed letter from the contractor outlines their specific procedures and safety protocols. The town is also developing a construction mitigation plan with our contractor that includes dust control protocols throughout the entire project.

Vehicular traffic patterns on campus will remain largely unchanged throughout this phase, with the exception of a modification to the entrance and exit of the Hartwell parking lot. These maps show vehicular, pedestrian and bicycle access to the area:

• Ballfield Road access map — provides a broad view of the entire campus and general access routes
• Hartwell Building access map — offers specific information about access to the Hartwell main building, which houses:
• • Lincoln Public Schools administrative offices
  • Magic Garden Preschool
  • Parks and Recreation Offices
  • LEAP administrative offices (program spaces are housed in the Lincoln School for the coming school year.)

The CCBC will share regular updates on construction progress, upcoming milestones, and any changes that may affect community access or activities. Join their email list and learn more at lincolncommunitycenter.com. Anyone with questions or concerns about the project, is encouraged to reach out to the committee at CCBCCommunicationsCommittee@gmail.com.