Attleboro City Council prioritizes public safety and senior center funding in planning meeting

The Attleboro City Council meeting on May 13, 2025, highlighted urgent discussions surrounding the city's infrastructure needs, particularly focusing on the Council on Aging and public safety facilities. Council members expressed a strong desire to prioritize the construction of a new senior center and improvements to fire and police stations, emphasizing the necessity for a long-term maintenance and capital improvement plan.

Councilor Dolan underscored the immediate need for a vehicle for the veterans' department and stressed the importance of addressing the aging HVAC systems and roofs at existing facilities, with an estimated cost of $300,000 for urgent repairs. The conversation also touched on the need for compliance with ADA recommendations, particularly at the Balfour Riverwalk, which was marked as a priority.

Council members agreed on the importance of crafting a unified message to the administration, urging a focus on maintaining existing buildings while planning for future needs. President Lucia proposed sending a capital improvements message to both state and federal delegations to seek additional funding, highlighting the potential for federal support in addressing these pressing issues.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the need for a comprehensive approach to infrastructure, balancing immediate repairs with long-term planning to accommodate the city's growth. As the council prepares to draft a formal message, the urgency of these discussions reflects the community's commitment to enhancing public safety and senior services in Attleboro.