By Chuck Dam
For years, the town of Manchester has assessed its facility needs and priorities. In 2023, the town completed the Facility Master Plan (FMP), incorporating studies conducted over the previous 20 years, including the town-wide Master Plan.
The first priority of the FMP is addressing the DPW facility at 85R Pleasant Street. The current facility, originally built decades ago (1976 to be exact), does not accommodate our equipment and storage needs, provide adequate workspace for employees, and comply with current safety and efficiency standards. Extensive evaluation determined that relocating DPW operations to 197 School Street is the best solution for improving services, working conditions, and sustainability as well as future Town needs.
Responding to a Long-Deferred Need
The current DPW facility on Pleasant Street presents numerous challenges. The facility lacks the necessary storage for equipment and vehicles, forcing expensive machinery to be stored outdoors, resulting in accelerated wear and associated maintenance costs.
The current DPW Facility also does not have adequate maintenance bays, administrative space, or employee amenities, limiting operational efficiency. Moreover, the site’s proximity to residential areas has created noise, traffic, and operational issues.
As part of the FMP, the School Street site was identified as a suitable location for a new DPW facility, now that the compost operations have been relocated.
Unlike Pleasant Street, School Street is zoned for limited commercial development and has no direct residential abutters, making it a more suitable location for DPW operations. The site also allows for the construction of a purpose-built facility with modern infrastructure, ensuring that our DPW workers can operate efficiently and safely.
Future expansion opportunities are also being considered for public safety facilities at the School Street site.
There are several key benefits of the proposed new facility.
- Improved Efficiency and Safety The new DPW facility will include separate areas for material storage, vehicle maintenance, administrative functions, and employee accommodations. The addition of a wash bay with a water reclamation system will extend the lifespan of town vehicles, while updated maintenance bays will provide proper space for repairs. Modern ventilation, heating, and cooling systems will improve air quality and working conditions for staff while also being more energy efficient.
- Adequate Equipment and Materials Storage The current DPW site lacks sufficient storage space. The new facility will have dedicated areas for storing sand, salt, and other essential materials, ensuring that they remain protected from the elements. Covered vehicle storage will reduce maintenance costs by preventing premature rust and weather-related damage. Note that previous cold storage area at the current DPW site was already demolished due to safety issues and never replaced.
- Reduced Community Impact The School Street location is well-suited to house DPW operations without disrupting residential neighborhoods. Traffic flow in and out of the site will be carefully managed to avoid congestion, and the facility will be designed with visual buffers to minimize its impact on the surrounding area.
- Future-Proofing Our Town’s Infrastructure Investing in a new DPW facility will not only address current needs but also considers other facility needs. The new site allows for potential expansions, including additional critical town functions such as Public Safety or other future municipal needs.
- Sustainability and Energy Efficiency The Town has prioritized sustainability in the design of the new facility, incorporating renewable energy options such as solar arrays, ground source heating and cooling, and energy-efficient building materials. These features will reduce long-term operational costs while aligning with Manchester-by-the-Sea’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
A Considerable, but Smart Investment
The preliminary estimated cost of construction for the new DPW facility is approximately $20 million. While a significant investment, it is critical to maintaining essential services that residents rely on daily. As with all DPW and Town projects, final costs will depend on available funding, design considerations, and construction variables. The current estimate reflects conceptual-level costs based on industry standards and best practices. We are also keeping an eye on funding opportunities such as state grants, infrastructure improvement programs, and partnerships with sustainability initiatives that may help offset some of the costs. An outdated facility results in inefficiencies, higher repair costs, and potential safety risks.
Current Effort and Future Involvement
The decision to invest in a new DPW facility on School Street is about more than just bricks and mortar—it’s about building a stronger, more resilient Manchester. By prioritizing efficiency, safety, sustainability, and long-term planning, this project not only strengthens our town’s public works services but also considers future initiatives such as Public Safety, housing, cemetery expansion, and/or open space.
Current DPW efforts include site surveys and conceptual layouts for future expansion. We will present these findings to the Select Board at a future meeting. All residents should stay engaged, ask questions, and support this necessary investment in the community’s infrastructure. The FMP report referenced, as well as other information, is on the Manchester town website.
Chuck Dam serves as head of Manchester’s Dept. of Public Works.
