Wrentham Holds Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Center School Lot Project
From left, Select Board member James Anderson, Assistant Town Administrator Greg Enos, Special Projects Coordinator Stephanie Duquette, Town Administrator Kevin Sweet, Select Board Chair Joe Botaish, Select Board Vice Chair Chris Gallo, Select Board member Michelle Rouse, Town Administrator Executive Assistant Amanda Vasapollo, and Select Board Clerk Bill Harrington at the Center School Lot ribbon cutting ceremony. (Photo courtesy Town of Wrentham)
On Saturday, December 23, the town of Wrentham held a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the completion of the Center School Lot project. The project cost about $1.1 million, funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
Town Administrator Kevin Sweet, State Rep. Marcus Vaughn, and Select Board members offered remarks at the ceremony.
“We are fortunate enough, through ARPA, to have made this project possible,” said Town Administrator Sweet. “I’d like to thank all of those who were involved in this process, making this longtime goal a reality for our town.”
Community members attended, including Assistant Town Administrator Greg Enos, Police Chief Bill McGrath, Recreation Director Jeff Plympton, Economic Development Commission Chair Beth Bryson, Select Board Chair Joe Botaish, Select Board Vice Chair Chris Gallo, Select Board Clerk Bill Harrington, Select Board members James Anderson and Michelle Rouse, as well as the United Regional Chamber of Commerce President Jack Lank.
“With the completed lot, our hope is to promote outdoor activities, promote small businesses and encourage community engagement in our downtown,” said Select Board Chair Joe Botaish.
The lot was the site of the former Center School, which was demolished in the 1970s. The remaining dirt lot was rutted, had sections of old foundation sticking out, and was an eyesore in the downtown area.
Beginning in 2022, the Office of Facilities & Central Services, along with the Town Administrator’s Office, began efforts to renovate the existing lot into a modern, aesthetically pleasing lot in the center of Wrentham.
The renovation project, which took five months, includes two entrances/exits, landscaping upgrades, curbing, accessible sidewalks and the addition of 112 paved parking spots, including six accessible spots and accommodations for four future electric vehicle charging stations.
New crosswalks and flashing signs also added to the lot to provide a connection to downtown businesses and community open spaces, including the town common and Sweatt Park.
