Commission member proposes outdoor amphitheater built by local tech school; neighbors to be consulted

Paul, a commission member, outlined an outdoor amphitheater concept for the north side of Brooks Academy, describing flagstone aisles, three rows of hinged seats with possible seatbacks, a raised speaking platform and landscaping to screen the site from nearby homes.

Paul said he met with the head of the local technical school’s carpentry department, who offered to have students build the platform and seating in exchange for materials only. “All of the labor will be done by the school,” Paul said, adding that the school would also be able to help with electrical trenching and horticulture plantings.

Members discussed a target capacity of roughly 25–40 seats and emphasized keeping the design visually minimal to fit the historic setting. They asked Paul to develop a more formal sketch and a materials list and to return with details about who would be responsible for installation and maintenance.

Neighbor concerns were raised: the transcript records that Brian Murphy voiced objection to the theater concept on the grounds that concentrated activity could be disruptive. The commission discussed mitigation measures—cedar or arborvitae hedges, temporary panels or backdrop screens, and locating amplification to direct sound away from neighboring properties—and agreed to engage neighbors directly as plans are refined.

Accessibility was also unresolved: members asked the project manager and architect to confirm ADA requirements for outdoor seating and whether it would be sufficient to provide accessible seating in the top row. The commission did not adopt a final design or funding allocation at the meeting; the idea was treated as a concept to be developed for future approval.