The Town of Hubbardston Council on Aging voted to place its nativity scene on the senior center’s deck after members weighed concerns about visibility, damage and whether religious displays are appropriate on town property.

Members debated moving the large nativity to the church lot — where it has been displayed in past years — versus keeping the scene at the council’s facility. Concerns included recurring storm damage and the physical effort required to reassemble and repair the display when pieces were knocked down.

One member said many drivers see the church display when they pass through downtown, while another argued the deck would protect the set from wind and vandalism and allow the council to maintain it more easily. The group also discussed related decorations such as a Christmas tree, a menorah and light displays and noted municipal rules and sensitivities about religious symbols on town property.

A motion to locate the nativity on the council’s deck passed by voice vote after members indicated a majority preference. “We voted. Yeah. It’s been decided,” a member said after the count. Members signaled they expected to keep ownership of the set regardless of location and agreed to proceed with decorations including a tree and lights.

Council members asked that care be taken to avoid damage and discussed logistics such as straw for the display and using the porch and deck space for concerts and photos during the holiday season.