Pembroke to Centralize Voting at Community Center, Address Drainage Issues

Town plans to move all precincts to new location, install "beaver deceiver" near Oldham Street

PEMBROKE, MA - July 24 - Pembroke officials announced plans to centralize all voting precincts at the new Community Center and address ongoing drainage issues during the July 24 Select Board meeting.

Town Clerk Andraea McEttrick presented a proposal to move all voting from schools to the Community Center at 128 Center St. The board unanimously approved the change.

"We are very excited to be hopefully moving to the Community Center," McEttrick said. "It is very exciting."

The new location offers several advantages, including abundant parking, improved accessibility and a standby generator. McEttrick emphasized safety concerns with using schools as polling places.

"It's just not safe really anymore," she said.

To inform residents of the change, postcards will be sent to every household. Notices will also be posted at previous voting locations and shared on social media and the town website.

McEttrick said consolidating precincts will simplify the process for voters and election workers. She will now be able to oversee all precincts simultaneously.

"I can be omnipresent across all precincts and help and assist all the voters really at any given time and assist my election workers," she said.

The board also discussed installing a "beaver deceiver" device to address drainage issues near Oldham Street. The $2,500 device aims to manage beaver activity and water levels in the area.

Health Agent Lisa Cullity described the parcel as a former cranberry bog with a man-made retention pond.

"The question before the town today is it isn't about beavers and it isn't about abutters. It's how do we manage our town-owned parcels," Cullity said.

The device would lower water levels by 16 to 18 inches but requires Conservation Commission approval before installation.

Residents expressed concerns about high water and mosquitoes. Paul Tull, who lives nearby, said, "It's just a lot of standing mucky water. It's a shame."

Town Manager Bill Chenard said the next steps involve submitting an application to the Conservation Commission.

Both projects aim to improve town services and address community concerns. Officials emphasized their commitment to keeping residents informed as the initiatives move forward.