Timeline of Events

January 30, 2023   The design team continues to work on the building layouts as well as the placement of the buildings on the site. Sub-specialties are now beginning their work. Most recently, the Town Building Committee met with the mechanical designer to evaluate HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) options and select the types of systems and energy sources that will be employed. The Committee decided to pursue all-electric buildings. This decision reflects the future of energy; it also takes into account the low electricity rates offered by the Middleton Electric Light Department (MELD). All of this work is done in concert with the Town Building Committee and the Owner’s Project Manager (OPM), the Town’s agent on the project. 

We previously reported on the beneficial interest rate we received when we borrowed for the project. We borrowed in November 2021 at an average interest rate of 2.05%. With the increase in interest rates since then that decision looks better every day. Roselli, Clark & Associates, the Town’s CPA and auditor, estimates the Town saved about $30 million in interest costs over the life of the loan. That savings is passed directly to taxpayers. 

We have all heard about increases in construction costs and inflation throughout the economy. Our building project is not immune. This has led the design team and the Town Building Committee to take a close look at all aspects of the project. That process continues. 

The Building Committee is using the construction manager at risk (CMR) delivery method for this project. Under CMR the construction manager is brought on early and works directly with the architect on the design of the buildings. This collaborative process results in fewer change orders once we get to construction. For more information on CMR go to https://www.mass.gov/service-details/learn-about-cm-at-risk. The Building Committee has recently embarked on the CMR selection process. 

September 12, 2022  The design team is wrapping up space and programmatic planning for the two buildings. Layouts of the buildings are being drafted based on the space and program planning. As the building layouts evolve they are being overlaid on the site plan to show where they sit in relation to each other, the street, and abutting properties. A public presentation was made on July 28, 2022 and another public presentation will be held this autumn. We expect to break ground in the second half of 2023. 

As noted below, the Town received a very low interest rate when it borrowed for this project. The low interest rate environment was one of the factors in our favor in 2021 when we asked Town Meeting and the voters to approve the project. We borrowed in November 2021 and received an average net interest rate of 2.05%. Recent similar borrowings by Massachusetts municipalities have been around 3.5%. Our financial advisors calculate taxpayers will save over $16 million over the 30 year life of the loan.

July 19, 2022   The design team led by Context Architecture is currently undertaking space and programmatic planning for the two buildings. This will inform the overall square footage of each building. A public presentation is scheduled for July 28, 2022 at 6PM at the Flint Public Library. Context will present a draft layout of the site. The Town Building Committee and Context welcome comments and feedback.

May 31, 2022  The Massachusetts Office of the Inspector General issues a notice to proceed to the Town to utilize the construction-manager-at-risk (CM@R) delivery method. CM@R establishes a partnership between the design team and the general contractor. This generally results in a better project, fewer change orders, and more budget certainty.

April 5, 2022  The Town awards a design contract to Context Architecture of Boston, MA. Context and its team will design the buildings and site improvements.

March 22, 2022  The Town awards a contract for owner’s project management (OPM) services to PCA360. The OPM works for the Town and provides specialized expertise in the oversight of the design, construction, and fit-up of the buildings.

November 30, 2021  The Town sells 30-year bonds to finance the project. The sale is awarded to Fidelity Capital Markets at an average net interest rate of 2.05%. 

July 19, 2021  Members of the Town Building Committee were appointed.  The committee will steer the design of the buildings.

June 12, 2021 Annual Town Election ballot includes a Proposition 2 ½ Debt Exclusion question. This allows the Town to levy additional taxes to fund the debt service of the Public Facilities Project. The question passed 1,009 to 522. 

June 5, 2021 Article 22of the Annual Town Meeting authorizes borrowing $61.7M for design and construction of the Project. The article passed 280-48.

May 2019 the Master Development Planning Committee (MDPC) was established

March 19, 2019 Special Town Meeting the town voted to buy the Middleton Golf Course for $3.8M