$25.5M school project to get vote; 60 articles on town meeting warrant.

• Author: Thompson, Elaine
• Position: Weeklies

Byline: Elaine Thompson

NORTHBORO -- The Lincoln Street School renovation-expansion project, the discharge of firearms and civil fingerprinting for criminal history checks are among the highlights of the 60 warrant articles that will be addressed at the annual town meeting.

The meeting will get underway at 7:30 p.m. April 28 at Algonquin Regional High School.

Articles 19-20 seek the approval of town meeting voters to appropriate the town's share of the cost of the Lincoln Street Elementary School addition/renovation project. The project calls for the 270-student K-5, 58-year-old school to be expanded from 43,400 square feet to 53,000 square feet.

The project scope includes mechanical, electrical, plumbing systems replacement/upgrades; security, IT/telecommunications replacement/upgrades; updated finishes throughout; sustainable design features; window/exterior door replacement and site construction.

The state School Building Authority last month approved a grant of up to $10.4 million for the $25.5 million project. The town's share is estimated at $15.1 million. That amount would be reduced to $14.85 million if voters agree to reallocate $268,721 left over from the library and senior center construction projects to the school project.

Article 58 is a proposed public safety bylaw that would restrict the discharge of firearms in town. If passed, individuals would be prohibited from discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling or other occupied structure, unless granted written permission by the owner of the land on which the dwelling or structure is located. There is an exception for anyone performing a legal duty or if the firearm is discharged in the lawful defense of a person or property.

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