CPC votes to advance Oaks Ames elevator funding

Other Committee · Meeting of August 27, 2026

Easton's Community Preservation Committee splits a town hall grounds request from its parking costs while advancing an accessibility fix at Oaks Ames Memorial Hall. Trustee Kristen Stone asked for $750,000 toward a $1.5 million elevator and kitchen project, backed by $200,000 already secured from the Massachusetts Cultural Facilities Fund; the board approved inviting a full application 6-0 with one abstention. DPW Deputy Director Greg Swan pitched a $3 million to $5.5 million overhaul of town hall's grounds and parking, doubling parking from 30 to 60 spaces, but members balked at funding pavement through the CPC.

"It's almost backward from the viewpoint of the way I see CPC," one member said, and the board voted 6-1 to invite a narrower application covering only the open space, recreation and historic elements. Staff said nine or ten draft applications, including a Langwater agricultural preservation restriction, are expected at the October 8 meeting.

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Source: the Other Committee meeting of August 27, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.