Select Board names CHA as owner's project manager for proposed community center

The Select Board on April 9 approved awarding the owner’s project manager (OPM) contract for the proposed multigenerational community center to CHA and authorized the town manager to negotiate and execute a contract.

Staff described a qualifications‑based selection process: six firms responded to the RFQ, the top three were interviewed and the evaluation team recommended CHA. Ian Johnson, who served on the review team, said the committee found CHA’s experience and interview responses most closely matched the town’s aggressive timeline and community engagement goals.

Christie (town manager) and staff emphasized that the selection does not obligate the town to construction; CHA will support the town in preparing schematic design, community engagement and a cost estimate to inform an anticipated October town meeting article. “They were the top choice that was voted on by that committee,” Johnson said.

Staff also reported the town is working on a soft opening plan and logistical moves to reuse furniture and move recreation and senior center services into the existing acquired building; additional grant applications and a second town meeting article may fund readiness work.

Next steps: the town manager will negotiate a price proposal with CHA, return to the board to execute the OPM contract, then work with the OPM to issue an RFQ for architectural design services and continue public outreach and schematic design work.