Seekonk DPW Facility Might Be Revived

Although Town Meeting voters rejected plans for a new Department of Public Works (DPW) facility, the Seekonk Select Board said the project could be revived.

The $40 million facility would have been located on Town-owned land at 351 Fall River Avenue. The proposed design was for a 61, 815 square-foot building.

DPW Director David Cabral explained the current building on Route 44 is 75 years old and lacks necessities including showers and restrooms. Cabral noted the garage is unable to accommodate large vehicles.

Michael Brady, a member of the Finance Committee, acknowledged the need for a new facility but believed the cost was too high.

Board members believe a lack of advocacy on their part resulted in the defeat.

“Our board was all in support of this project,” member Justin Sullivan said at the board’s December 4 meeting. “None of us spoke up. We let the residents down on that and I think we let the guys at DPW down on that.”

Member Pam Pozzi agreed with Sullivan, stating the board “failed to provide the background” on warrant articles to the voters.

Sullivan acknowledged the residents “spoke loud and clear” and that it was “back to the drawing board” for a new DPW.

Town Administrator Shawn Cadime outlined the steps necessary to get the project up and running, including an appropriation from Town Meeting, the hiring of an OPM (Office of the Project Manager), a feasibility study, and a new architectural design.

Member Michael Healy was “happy” with the large turnout at Town Meeting but expressed criticism for the way the Town Moderator handled some votes near the end.

“The end of that meeting, in my opinion, was an absolute disaster,” Healy said. “How it was managed by the Moderator, to me, was absolutely deplorable.”