Community invited to virtual forum on Pepperell public safety complex proposal
Progress report at Thursday meeting
Pepperell citizens will get information and updates this week on the proposed public safety complex.
The Pepperell Building Committee announced a virtual forum starting at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, where they will provide a progress report on the project.
Community members can join the forum from a computer, tablet or smartphone, by visiting meet. goto.com/214774661 or by calling 571-317-3122 and using access code 214-774-661.
Among updates to be discussed is the completion of a list of vendors that were investigated by a Prequalification Subcommittee, comprised of Pepperell residents who are experts in large building projects.
In May, the annual Town Meetingwill decide if a ballot question regarding the public safety complex will appear on town election ballots. The Building Committee said it would provide information to the public in advance of that meeting.
The Building Committee also announced a St. Patrick’s Day luncheon and presentation at 11 a.m. March 16, on plans for the complex. The luncheon will be at the Pepperell Senior Center, 37 Nashua Road.
The March presentation will include a review of the Building Committee’s work to date. Time will be allotted for questions following the presentation. Topics will include final design, including sustainable materials, and energy-efficient systems; initial permitting approvals; interior design; budget; ongoing working sessions; and a potential timeline for groundbreaking and completion.
The Building Committee has also scheduled a public meeting on April 22 at the Jersey Street fire station during the Earth Day celebration.
“We hope that all voters will take the time to learn more about the project, the hard work that has already been done, and the details behind why our first responders are so in need,” Building Committee Chair Catherine Lundeen said in the release.
The Building Committee was formed in early 2020. The police and fire departments and Patriot Regional Emergency Communications Center work out of facilities that have been identified as having numerous structural and functional deficiencies. Pepperell Police and Patriot RECC are headquartered at the former Shattuck School, built in 1895.
In January 2022, the Building Committee iden
tified a site for the future public safety complex on Jersey Street and released a conceptual design for the project.
Building Committee said at that time through its
work with Tecton Architects and the engineering consultant company Vertex they determined the Jersey Street site and building footprint it has settled on best aligns with public safety needs, as well as community and town planning priorities.
For more information and updates about the project, visit pepperellproject. com.