Facilities Master Plan (FMP) Recap of Recent Meetings/Events

Thank you to everyone who has participated in recent discussions about the Facilities Master Plan. The update below summarizes key points from recent meetings and community engagement efforts.

Recent Meetings/Events

Community Participation at June 15 Community Meeting

  • Approximately 70 attendees: 46 in person, over 21 online
  • Event program included survey findings, existing conditions, and community questions via live polling tools.
  • Watch Full Meeting, courtesy of Dedham TV

Key Takeaways from the Community Survey

  • 463 residents completed the survey, submitting 715 written comments
  • Schools remain the community’s top facilities priority
  • Strong support for school consolidation and modernization:
    • 70% support a major facilities bond
    • 81% support a new school
    • 86% support consolidating aging elementary schools
  • Residents also value investments in the pool, libraries, and Parks & Recreation facilities
  • Community wants transparency throughout this and future projects, fiscal responsibility, and timely action
  • Survey results are shown in the June 15 slides, beginning on slide 8

Existing Conditions Overview - Presented by Arrowstreet at June 15 Community Meeting (Begins on Slide 32 of Presentation)

  • Arrowstreet reviewed building conditions across a range of categories, such as exterior, interior, structural, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, fire protection, life safety, accessibility, energy, and others. The complete list of assessment categories is shown on slide 32 of the June 15 presentation on the FMP Project Page.
  • According to Arrowstreet’s facility assessments:
    • Buildings rated in poor condition include Dedham Pool, Parks & Rec Offices (former Capen School), Endicott Estate, Greenlodge, Oakdale, Riverdale, Dedham High School, DPW, and the Main Library
    • Buildings rated in critical condition include the East Dedham Fire Station and the Dolan Center
  • Attendees also reviewed “building nutrition labels,” which summarize each facility’s condition and needs

Community Themes & Questions at June 15 Community Meeting

  • School consolidation impacts on students, neighborhoods, and taxes
  • How past studies will inform the current FMP process
  • Desire for clarity on long-term investment needs, tax impacts, decision-making processes, and overall strategy

FMP Steering Committee Discussion at June 22 Public Meeting

  • Reviewed first half of the Draft Existing Conditions Report for accuracy and to help committee members better understand the findings to communicate to the community; remainder to be reviewed at next meeting
  • Identified items already solved or in progress, flagged issues for consultant follow-up
  • Suggested developing FAQs or fact sheets for clearer public communication about buildings and potential code triggers
  • Watch Full Meeting, courtesy of Dedham TV

Project Timeline Updates

  • Project is approximately 50% complete
  • Key technical evaluations are complete; additional analyses are ongoing (Needs & Utilization, Technology Readiness)
  • Additional community meetings will be scheduled for early and late fall to review scenarios and recommendations. Dates to be announced once finalized.

Upcoming Meetings & More Information