The Board of Selectmen voted to recommend a revised warrant article for Robinson Pond during its most recent meeting, reducing the scope and cost of the project after last year’s proposal failed at the polls.
Last year, voters rejected a $1 million warrant article that included improvements to both the boat launch and beach area, despite unanimous support from the Selectmen and a 5-3-1 vote from the Budget Committee.
This year’s proposal focuses solely on the boat launch, cutting the total request to $500,000.
“We’re carving that out this year,” said Director of Development Services Elvis Dhima, explaining that feedback from last year indicated strong support for the boat launch but less enthusiasm for beach upgrades.
Dhima noted that runoff from the road currently prevents boats from launching safely. The plan includes raising the parking area, creating an official boat launch, and implementing runoff mitigation measures.
“The intention is to get a $250,000 grant from the State, and then we would only need $250,000 from taxpayers,” Dhima said.
Completing the project would also earn the Town credit for a watershed improvement initiative.
“We think this is a great project to put in for,” Dhima said, adding that Robinson Pond enjoys strong community support.
Dhima emphasized that the project is “shovel-ready,” with designs and permits already in place, allowing the Town to move quickly if the warrant article and grant are approved.
“If we aren’t able to get the grant or if the warrant article doesn’t pass, then the project wouldn’t move forward,” he said.
Board Chair Dillon Dumont praised the proposal for its environmental benefits and compliance with MS4 permit requirements.
“I think it protects the water quality over there,” Dumont said. “I think it’s very much needed.”
The Board voted 4-0 to advance and recommend the warrant article, with Selectman Dave Morin absent.
