$6.2 Million Sought for Projects, Including Attleboro Animal Shelter, Athletic Complex

Mayor Kevin Dumas formally requested in his written communications this week that the City Council approve nearly $6.2 million in loans to the city of Attleboro for major projects. The funding will cover the new outdoor athletic complex at Attleboro High School ($3.55 million), the new animal shelter ($1.116 million) and an upgrade of the computer control system at the city's water treatment plant ($1.523 million).

The requests were referred to the Budget & Appropriations Committee, chaired by Councilor Brian Kirby, for review and a recommendation to the full council. Public hearings on the requests will take place before the full council and the planning board at City Hall on Jan. 15 at 7 p.m.

The school and school building committees approved a schematic design for the athletic complex from Weymouth-based Gale and Associates last month. The project will include the replacement of the deteriorated track that is considered unsafe by all reasonable standards, replacement of the grass field with a synthetic surface and a new press box. Separate funding for a concession stand is expected to come from private donations.

"Although there will certainly be adjustments in individual item costs after final design, and construction costs cannot be truly known until the project is bid in the spring, I believe the city can and should show its support by approving this bond authorization," Dumas wrote. 

The 3,600-square-foot animal shelter would replace the smaller facility on Pond Street North with various modern amenities. The council voted unanimously in June to spend up to $50,000 for the design of the project. Dumas wrote that the design phase is complete.