Duxbury Considers Shifting $5M from Seawall to DPW Project, Faces MBTA Zoning Deadline

DUXBURY, MA - September 9 - Duxbury officials are considering reallocating $5 million from the town's seawall project to the over-budget Department of Public Works building project, a move that would require approval at the Nov. 18 Special Town Meeting.

The proposal comes as the seawall project bids came in $5 million lower than anticipated, while the DPW building project bids were higher than expected due to post-COVID inflation.

Town Manager René Read explained the proposal during Monday's Selectboard meeting, stating, "This action necessary now is simply an amendment to the votes taken on those two articles."

However, the proposed reallocation faced scrutiny from Selectboard member Amy MacNab, who expressed concerns about transparency and the process.

"When we put this project to the residents back several years ago, it was a plan, it was a proposal, it was a particular building, a particular size, the landscaping, they were shown everything," MacNab said. "The $5 million that we are saving on the seawall should be given back to the taxpayers, that's a savings, that's great."

Read defended the proposal, stating, "To say that it's non-transparent is an absolute fallacy. The transparency is beginning here with this discussion now."

The DPW building project has faced several setbacks and cost increases since its initial approval. Jeff Alberti from Weston & Sampson, the project's engineering firm, presented revised plans that reduced the building's size from 33,700 square feet to 30,600 square feet, along with other cost-cutting measures.

If the proposed fund reallocation is approved, it would allow the town to restore some of the cut features and maintain a building size closer to the original plan.

In addition to the DPW building discussion, the Selectboard addressed challenges in meeting the state-mandated MBTA Communities zoning requirements. The town faces difficulties in considering including affordable housing components in the proposal before the November town meeting.

Selectboard member Brian Glennon highlighted the time constraints, saying, "We need to provide the residents with something as palatable as possible, and I think to make that happen, we just don't have sufficient time."

The board discussed the possibility of requesting an extension from the state for MBTA zoning compliance. Glennon suggested, "I think if we ask for an extension, even if it's not granted, I think there's a good faith basis upon which we can at least show the Commonwealth that we're trying to comply with this thing."

The Selectboard plans to consult with legal counsel and explore options for meeting the MBTA Communities zoning requirements while addressing the town's housing needs.

The next MBTA Communities Working Group meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 17, at 5:30 p.m. at the Senior Center Large Classroom. A public forum on the topic is planned for Oct. 17, with more details to be announced.

The special town meeting, where voters will decide on the proposed fund reallocation and other matters, is set for Nov. 18.