NORTH SMITHFIELD – A debate over where to put the town’s new multigenerational center came to what will likely be a final resolution this week, with councilors voting 3-2 to focus on building a new community resource on the property that once held Halliwell Elementary School.
The decision marks a return to a plan for the property approved by councilors last September. Over the past nine months, officials have considered an alternative option – favored by the town’s Multigenerational Advisory Committee – which would have seen the center instead built on the property by Pacheco Park that currently holds Scouter’s Hall.
The town was approved for a $4 million federal grant to create a multigenerational center back in 2022, and in the years since, studies have looked at both properties.
A Halliwell Review Committee created in 2023 solicited community feedback and commissioned a conceptual master plan from design firm Bargmann Hendrie + Archetype, Inc. that envisioned a 6,600-square-foot building constructed on that 32-acre lot at a cost of around $6 million. The plan would utilize a modular approach so the structure would be set up for expansion, with future options to include the addition of a gymnasium, a pool, athletic fields, a dog park and more.
But senior advocate and Advisory Committee chairperson Linda Thibault has questioned if that plan for a center at Halliwell would see enough dedicated space for seniors. Thibault’s multigenerational board – made up of both seniors and scouts – recently commissioned their own study by BH+A – the same firm that looked at the Halliwell property – which noted that the most affordable option would be to demolish Scouter’s Hall and construct a new center to accommodate the two groups.
In August, the multigenerational board voted in favor of construction at the Scouter’s lot, and presented their recommendation to the council. Built in the 1970s on a .76 acre lot originally donated to the, “Slatersville Scouting Association,” by the Kendall family, the single-story building known as Scouter’s Hall is already used by seniors, along with multiple scouting troops.
Proponents of both options have continued to make their case before councilors at public hearings over the past month.
“We can’t build on that,” Halliwell Review Committee Chairman Jeffrey Porter said this week of plans for the Scouter’s property. “We can’t add any more buildings to it. That’s where Scouter’s Hall falls short.”
Further, Porter noted that currently, North Smithfield does not have amenities that serve the whole community, with limited access to facilities such as the track at North Smithfield High School.
“What I’m proposing is something that’s accessible to everybody – and I don’t think you’re going to get that at Scouter’s,” said Porter.
Council President Kimberly Alves had a similar assessment of the two potential projects, but said she favored utilizing the grant to create a new building at Scouter’s.
“It’s really two totally different concepts,” Alves said Monday. “The one thing seniors have been very vocal about is they want their own space.”
The multigenerational center concept, Alves added, “was thought of as a senior center and scouts, so they could have their space.”
“I just don’t see that happening in a community center,” said Alves. “I totally agree that it would be great to have a community center, but this is different than what Scouter’s or Pacheco was originally.”
But Councilor Douglas Osier noted that the town is not bound to current plan for Halliwell and that creating a dedicated space for seniors, now or in the future, is still possible.
“You kind of achieve both objectives,” Osier said.
“You’re voting to tear down Scouter’s because that is what we are being sold on – it’s the cheaper option, to tear it down and build new,” Osier said. “There is a lot of sentimental value – just like there is at Halliwell – and I don’t think that should be discounted in the decision.”
Councilor John Beauregard noted it was a difficult choice.
“I think what makes it so tough is there are people on both sides whose opinion you value and respect so much,” Beauregard said.
Asked his opinion, Town Administrator Paul Zwolenski said, “You have two viable locations.”
Zwolenski noted that the town was recently approved for an additional grant of $1 million to improve grounds at Halliwell.
“The decision lies with the five of you,” he said.
Both Beauregard and Osier said they’ve heard from a lot of constituents on the issue – with one speaking primarily to seniors in town and the other to families.
“I’ve heard a lot of support for Halliwell,” Osier said.
A motion to create the multigenerational center at the former Halliwell Elementary School property passed, with Councilors Claire O’Hara and Paulette Hamilton joining Osier, and Alves and Beauregard casting their dissent.
After the vote, Beauregard said that while he had reasons for his vote, ultimately, he’s satisfied with the decision.
“I’m not disappointed in the Halliwell location,” he said. “I think it’s great that it’s going to be there.”
I have to agree, DT. But since they have the grant, I drove to the Halliwell site and looked around again. I just can’t envision another huge building used for a while, then abandoned years later. I had envisioned a skateboard/bike area; something dedicated to somewhere teens can mingle; a safe place. Pacheco is not. With the destruction lately, it’s telling me they are bored. Is there a place for them? Not every teen is a Scout. ENGAGE the teens. Update the Basketball/Pickleball/tennis. Large parking/meeting area. It needs just a few small outbuildings for the gardens and playground, etc. Police can drive through. Not another huge building at Halliwell to become just another building the town cannot afford to maintain. Just my opinion. Linda, is there a grant out there for Scouters?
Where does the town council plan on getting the additional $2M for the over priced facility that is not needed? Also who is going to pay for the annual operating funds that are needed? The people that benefit most from this facility is Bargmann Hendrie + Archetype, Inc. Another thing the town cannot afford. Here comes the large increase in taxes with zero benefit. Why doesn’t the town focus on maintaining current infrastructure. The town needs a 10 year operating and capital plan to determine what can or cannot be afforded. And yes the town cannot afford every idea and needs to just say no we cannot afford new infrastructure. I cannot wait for people complaining about their taxes.
Still NO Senior Center? Too bad!. Lincolns is always busy and beautiful