Hubbardson voters reject senior center, public safety buildings

Hubbardson voters reject senior center, public safety buildings

By George Barnes
Telegram & Gazette Staff

HUBBARDSTON - Voters Tuesday night rejected all three ballot questions, turning down building a senior center and police/fire/ems complex and purchasing a new fire truck and an ambulance.

Voters defeated a request to spend $7.5 million to build the two buildings on 12 acres it is acquiring through a land swap with the state across Route 68 from the town recreation field. The 357-264 vote against the projects leaves the town only until June 30, 2016, to build a senior center or lose a $500,000 grant.

"We're obviously not happy with this vote," said John Nason, a member of the Council on Aging, after the results were announced.

Mr. Nason said the current senior center is inadequate and supporters of the center will try again to get voter support as soon as possible.

"We'll be back," he said, adding that the police and fire stations are also in poor shape. "The town's infrastructure is coming down around its ears."

Police Sgt. Ryan Couture said he also was disappointed the public safety complex was not supported.
"We were hopeful considering the condition our stations are in," he said. "Now we'll have to make do with what we have."

Voters also opposed spending $250,000 for an ambulance, with 313 opposed and 304 in favor and turned down spending $400,000 for a new fire struck with 341 opposed and 274 in favor.