Resident urges Woodbury to pursue a large multiuse resilient facility and preservation funding

During the Jan. 24 budget workshop, a resident speaking under the heading 'Public Building Priority Plan' urged the town to design a large multiuse resilient facility that could serve as a combined police station, transfer station and an emergency shelter-capable hub.

The commenter described the proposed facility as able to accommodate at least 1,000 people for up to 90 days and argued the project could qualify for state and federal emergency preparedness and homeland security grants, green-infrastructure incentives, and public-private philanthropy. The speaker framed the proposal as capitalizing on a current moment when a new police station and a new public works facility are already being discussed.

The commenter also requested that Woodbury continue preserving historic public buildings, asking the boards to budget $80,000 per year beginning in 2027 (noted on Fiscal Report line item 128). The speaker said the proposed flagship facility would serve multiple civic uses, including training, youth events and civic engagement, and described it as an investment in resilience and sustainability for future generations.

The statement was presented as a public comment and as a policy suggestion; boards did not take formal action or vote on the proposal during the workshop. The recommendation will require further study, formal proposals, cost estimates, and verification of potential grant eligibility before any budgeting decision.