Select Board considers options for Johnson School working group; debate centers on interim uses vs. long‑term vision

Town communications staff presented a memo outlining options for a resident working group to advise on the future use of the decommissioned Johnson School site. Jay Ford Paddock framed the proposal as an "à la carte" menu describing four dimensions (naming, composition, charge and deliverables) and suggested a recommended seven‑member panel with three neighborhood and four non‑neighborhood seats.

"What you're looking at here... is truly an a la carte, of what a group could look like," Paddock told the board, offering three potential charges: (1) research comparable projects in similar towns, (2) create a decision framework for long‑term reuse, or (3) pursue community‑led interim activations and grant opportunities in parallel with interim site uses. Staff recommended the board select one primary charge to keep resident effort focused.

Board members were split: some urged focusing the group on long‑term planning so residents' time yields a durable vision; others preferred near‑term work (interim uses, grants, events) to produce visible activity on the site. Staff advised the interim‑use schedule (RFP and due diligence timeline) is already moving on a faster track and that forming a resident group focused on long‑term strategy could proceed in parallel. The board agreed to return the item with clearer charge options and a plan for community engagement and timing.