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Building projects on North Attleboro agenda
Top Headlines Requests for additional funding for the Whiting Street public works building renovation and the installation of fire equipment at the schools are among the issues that will be discussed during the town meeting, which will start at 7:30 p.m. at North Attleboro Middle School. Only RTM members can vote, but any resident is welcome to come and speak on issues of concern. Other issues up for consideration will include the town budget, the capital improvement project list and zoning changes needed to bring two new businesses to town. It is the third time the RTM has been asked to pump additional money into the public works building renovation. The finance committee is recommending in favor of putting another $100,000 to cover the remaining work. In January, RTM members expressed concern about the rising cost of the project when it reallocated the use of $145,000 that was originally budgeted for technology and furnishings inside the building. At that time, Town Administrator Mark Fisher said the municipal building committee was attempting to pin down the cost of building a handicapped ramp onto the building, but only had about $16,000 of its $1.5 million construction budget. Additional money is also needed to install fire doors and other safety equipment at the Community and Falls School. While $100,000 was initially requested by the municipal building committee, the finance committee is recommending an additional $80,000 be put toward the project. RTM will also be considering the proposed $70.6 million budget for the coming fiscal year and whether the town can afford to pay for several capital items, including the purchase of new police vehicles, replacing the floor in the high school gymnasium and engineering work needed for a new animal shelter. RTM members are also being asked to rezone two parcels: one in the North Attleboro Industrial Park and the other along Route 1 near the North Attleboro/Plainville line. If approved, the industrial park property on John Dietsch Boulevard will be switched from commercial to industrial to allow a wood pellet manufacturer to move in. The finance committee has recommended in favor of the proposal. Another article seeks to turn a residential property on Route 1 into a commercial property. The change would allow the owners to build a cafe that would serve breakfast and lunch. The finance committee recommended against the proposal, as did the planning board. saying it would be an endorsement of spot zoning.
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