Unfortunately, no one can be told what the Matrix is. You have to see it for yourself.
—Morpheus, from “The Matrix” (1999)
The Natick Select Board at its June 8 meeting (about 35 minutes into recording) endorsed next steps within a matrix designed to help the town choose possible interim uses for the building and surrounding property that housed the Johnson Elementary School for decades until its closing two years ago.
The board at a May meeting indicated its preference for taking an interim use approach, looking at short- rather than long-term uses for the property (not that certain short-term uses couldn’t become long-term ones). The hope is that the board will vote on such uses in about a year, according to a timeline shared as part of a presentation to the board on the interim use matrix by Jay Poropatich, the town’s communications director. (We did worry slightly when he made a reference to “interim uses that ultimately is a cluster…”)
The initial list of organizations that might use the Johnson property includes Natick Public Schools (pre-school, after school, swing space), Recreation & Parks, Natick Pegasus (cable access & stream operations), and the YMCA (after school programs). The list of possible organizations is subject to change based on input from the public and others.
Members of the public now have a chance to weigh in on possible interim uses via a two-question online survey open through July 28, and again will have a chance to provide input at an interactive workshop to be held in October.
The interim use matrix features red and blue pills…
During the June 8 meeting, board members asked a handful of questions, including whether a maximum amount of time for any use has been defined (no, but a minimum of three years is preferred so that organizations would be able to determine if investments needed for ADA compliance or other things would justify the use). Among other things the board will weigh is whether possible uses will fully take advantage of the building space (either individual organization uses or combined use by multiple organizations) and the impact such uses might have on public access to the grounds.
Board member Linda Wollschlager sought clarity on how the board and public will be able to way the financial ramifications of possible uses. Poropatich said organizations will need to share information about their financial approach, and that such information will be found in the matrix for town and public consideration.
Members of the public sought clarification on their opportunities to provide input (the survey, the workshop), raised points about the town and schools being in sync (the School Committee voted on June 15 for a pre-school space approach, as part of discussions on the future of Memorial Elementary School, that did not include Johnson), and Johnson building ADA compliance (it’s in compliance for some uses, not for others). One member of the public also asked about the town’s needs for the space, and Town Administrator Jamie Errickson it has no immediate use, but could down the road depending on how certain projects go (say the future of the Cole Center recreation building).
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