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Conservation Commission

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1. What is a wetland?

The wetlands found in East Longmeadow are inland wetlands which are areas where water is at or just below the surface of the ground, such as marshes, wet meadows, bogs, and swamps.

Please note: wetlands can dry up during some parts of the year. Just because there is not currently water in the wetlands does not mean they are no longer protected under the Wetlands Protection Act

2. What is the Rivers Protection Act?

Click to view frequently asked questions regarding Mass Rivers Protection Act

3. Why are wetlands important?

It is important to preserve wetlands because they can help clean drinking water supplies, prevent flooding and storm damage during storm events, and support a huge variety of wildlife. Since the colonization of MA half of the state’s wetlands have been destroyed making it even more important to protect the remaining wetlands.

4. How can I find out if I live near a wetland?

Visit the Town's GIS maps and click on the Environment Data layer. For greater accuracy, consider obtaining the services of a wetlands surveyor to flag the wetlands boundary.

5. Where can I find wetlands rules and regulations?

310 CMR: 10.00 Wetlands Protection Act

6. What is a buffer zone?

A buffer zone is the area of land that extends 100-feet outward from the outer boundary of the resource area. The buffer zone is protected under the MA Wetlands Protection Act (M.G.L. 131,Section 40) and its Regulations (310 CMR 10.00) 

7. What activities are prohibited in the buffer zone?

Any activity that alters the wetland or surrounding buffer zone must be approved by the Conservation Commission. These activities can include but are not limited to: draining, dumping, landscaping and construction, and vegetation clearing. 

8. I live within the buffer zone and want to do some work to my property, how do I get permission?

If you are unsure whether your proposed work site is in a resource area or if your work will alter a resource area, first apply for a Request for Determination of Applicability (RDA). If the Commission determines through your RDA that the work will alter a resource area you must then file a Notice of Intent (NOI) with detailed explanations regarding the project plans, wetlands, buffer zone, and precautionary measures used to protect them. Following a hearing of the Conservation Commission, coupled with an on site visit, the Commission will issue an Order of Conditions either approving or denying your request.

RDA’s should be filed at least two weeks prior to the targeted meeting date in order to ensure an appearance on the Commission’s agenda.

Note: all paperwork must be submitted to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection office in Springfield, MA as well as to the Commission

9. What can I do on my property to help maintain the health of the wetlands?

There are many things you can personally do to protect local wetlands, including but not limited to:

• Removing trash from wetland resource areas
• Avoid or minimize the use of de-icing salts, fertilizers, or pesticides near wetlands or drainage systems
• Apply proper erosion control measures to surrounding areas

10. Which areas of the town are under the jurisdiction of the Commission?

The following areas are subject to protection under the M.G.L. c. 131 Section 40:

• (a) any bank, freshwater wetland, coastal wetland, beach, dune, flat, marsh or swamp bordering on the ocean, any estuary, creek, river, stream, pond or lake
• (b) any land under any of the water bodies listed above, ( C) land subject to tidal actions, (d) land subject to coastal storm flowage, (e) land subject to flooding, (f) riverfront areas.
• If you are unsure if your property is under jurisdiction, please contact the Conservation Commission.

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ELCAT

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1. How do I order DVDs of ELCAT programs?

Please submit all DVD requests by email. Please provide the program title or subject, and the date of the event, if applicable.

DVD copies of ELCAT Programs are $6 per disc. We will notify you by email when your order is ready to be picked up at the high school front office. Please pay by check made payable to the Town of East Longmeadow, with ELCAT DVD in the memo line.

We will mail up to three discs for an additional $1.50 per order. Please be sure to include your mailing address.

2. How do I submit an item for the Community Bulletin?

Local government, clubs, community organizations, churches, schools, and other not-for-profit entities may submit notices for the electronic bulletin board. Limit submissions to the most pertinent information, as space is limited to the equivalent of a single PowerPoint slide.

We will not accept press releases as bulletin submissions, nor can we include your graphic files. Submit the information at least one week in advance by email.

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Emergency Preparedness > CERT

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1. What is CERT?

CERT is a training program that prepares you to help yourself, your family, and your neighbors in the event of a disaster. During an incident emergency service personnel may not be able to reach everyone right away. By getting trained in CERT, you will have the skills to help emergency responders save lives and protect property. As a member of a CERT team, you can respond to disasters, participate in drills and exercises, and take additional training. CERT teams are known and trusted to emergency responders and their communities.

In 95 percent of all emergencies, the victim or bystander provides the first immediate assistance on the scene. Would you know what to do?

Doing the greatest good for the greatest number!

2. What do CERT teams do in an emergency?

Under the direction of local emergency responders, CERT teams help provide critical support by giving immediate assistance to victims, provide damage assessment information, and organizing other volunteers at a disaster site. Volunteers trained in CERT also offer a potential workforce for performing duties such as shelter support, crowd control, and evacuation. The role of a CERT volunteer is to help others until trained emergency personnel arrive.

3. How does CERT help the community?

In addition to supporting emergency responders during a disaster, the CERT program builds strong working relationships between emergency responders and the people they serve. CERT teams also help the community year-round by helping with community emergency plans, neighborhood exercises, preparedness outreach, fire safety education, and workplace safety.

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Emergency Preparedness > Medical Reserve Corps

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1. Do I have to be a medical professional to be part of the team?

The Medical Reserve Corps consists of both medical and non-medical volunteers.

2. Why should I volunteer?

Volunteering with the Medical Reserve Corps is a simple and effective way to use and improve skills while helping to keep your family, friends, and neighbors safe and healthy.

Volunteering can give the great satisfaction of helping others. For many individuals, volunteering gives them a sense of purpose and meaning in their lives. It helps broaden their social networks and provides opportunity for social interactions.

3. What would I do as a volunteer?

Many MRC volunteers assist with activities to improve public health in their community – increasing health literacy, supporting prevention efforts, and eliminating health disparities. In emergencies, local resources get called upon first, sometimes with little or no warning. As an MRC member, you can be part of an organized and trained team.

4. Is training required?

Some training is required, but offered to you free of charge. Training is offered in a classroom setting or through on-line courses.

5. How often do I have to volunteer?

You can choose your level of participation. We understand that your work and personal commitments will determine your availability at any given time.

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Health Department

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1. Where can I bring tires?

Most tire stores that sell tires will take them back for free or for a small fee. 

2. What do I do with styrofoam?

Polystyrene "peanuts" can be taken to Mailboxes etc, UPS, to be recycled. Styrofoam can be taken to Gold Circuit E-recycling on Silver St in Agawam for $20. 

3. What time will my trash and recycling be picked up?

Republic trucks will be begin pickups at 7 am. Your pick up might not be at the same time each pickup day. If your trash/recycling is not collected by 6 pm, please call the Health Dept. (413)525-5400 x 1103.

4. What do I do with wire hangers?

Wire hangers are accepted by local dry cleaners or can be brought to the Transfer Station in the metal dumpster.

5. Where can I dispose of latex paint?

• Latex paint can be left at curbside with your weekly trash. Remove the lid and let dry completely to a solid state. To aid in drying, add kitty litter to paint and stir---usually happens overnight.
• Oil based paint--- save for a Household Hazardous Waste event or call the Health Dept, Recycling Coordinator (413)525-5400 x 1108.

6. Where do our recyclables go?

All of East Longmeadow's recyclables are brought to the MRF, the Massachusetts Recycling Facility in Springfield a facility that separates the material. The material recycling facility (MRF, pronounced merf) uses a combination of sorting equipment and people to separate the paper, glass, cans, and plastic. Once each material is separated it is baled. The glass is crushed. After this process, they are hauled to a variety of companies that use the material as feedstock for new products.

7. What happens to the materials that aren’t recyclable? Don’t they just get recycled anyway?

As much as the MRF would like to recycle everything we receive, market demand limits what can be recycled. The MRF cannot collect and process materials if there is no one to buy them. Similarly, if we include too much “junk” with our materials (such as plastic pools or laundry baskets mixed in with milk jugs), we risk losing buyers or getting a lower price for our materials.  In fact, the recycling facility has to pay a disposal fee for materials that can’t be recycled.

8. What effects do waste prevention and recycling have on global warming?

Everyone knows that reducing waste is good for the environment because it conserves natural resources. What many people don’t know is that solid waste reduction and recycling also have an impact on global climate change.

The manufacture, distribution, and use of products — as well as management of the resulting waste — all result in greenhouse gas emissions. Greenhouse gases, which trap heat in the upper atmosphere, occur naturally and help create climates that sustain life on our planet. Increased concentrations of these gases, though, can contribute to rising global temperatures, sea level changes, and other climate changes.

Waste prevention and recycling — jointly referred to as waste reduction — help us better manage the solid waste we generate. But reducing waste is a potent strategy for reducing greenhouse gases because it can:

Reduce emissions from energy consumption. Recycling saves energy. Manufacturing goods from recycled materials typically requires less energy than producing goods from virgin materials. When people reuse goods or when products are made with less material, less energy is needed to extract, transport, and process raw materials and to manufacture products. When energy demand decreases, fewer fossil fuels are burned and less carbon dioxide is emitted into the atmosphere.

Reduce emissions from incinerators. Recycling and waste prevention divert materials from incinerators and thus reduce greenhouse gas emissions from waste combustion.

Reduce methane emissions from landfills. Waste prevention and recycling (including composting) divert organic wastes from landfills, reducing the methane that would be released if these materials decomposed in a landfill.

Increase storage of carbon in forests. Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it in wood in a process called “carbon sequestration.” Waste prevention and recycling paper products allows more trees to remain standing in the forest, where they can continue to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

9. How does recycling save energy?

Harvesting, extracting, and processing the raw materials used to manufacture new products is an energy-intensive activity. Reducing or nearly eliminating the need for these processes, therefore, achieves huge savings in energy. Recycling aluminum cans, for example, saves 95 percent of the energy required to make the same amount of aluminum from its virgin source, bauxite. Making recycled steel saves 60%, recycled newspaper 40%, recycled plastics 70%, and recycled glass 40% of the energy needed to make products from raw materials. The amount of energy saved differs by material, but almost all recycling processes achieve significant energy savings compared to production using virgin materials.

10. Where does my trash go?

Our trash goes to the landfill.

11. Are pizza boxes recyclable?

Pizza boxes are recyclable. Remove the round cardboard disk that they pizza sat on and throw it in the trash. The box then can be recycled.

12. Do I need to clean my containers?

As long as the containers are empty and reasonably clean, you do not need to wash your containers. 

13. Why can't I put my recyclables in a plastic bag to be put out on the curb?

Our recycling facility does not accept recyclables in plastic bags. The plastic bags get caught in the shredder and shuts production down. Please put your recyclables directly in the recycling bin. 

14. What can I do with bubble wrap?

Bubble wrap is made from the same type of plastic as grocery, dry cleaning, newspaper, and bread bags. All these types of plastics are accepted at local grocery stores such as Big Y, Stop and Shop etc. They are also accepted at stores like Staples, and Office Max. Usually these stores have a bin close to the doors when you enter the store. If you have a large amount, just bring your bag to a store employee.

15. What can I do with plastic bags?

You can recycle them at your local grocery store, Target, Staples, Walmart. These bags need to be clean and dry. Other types of plastic can be recycled at these locations as well. Ziplock baggies, trash bags, bags from grocery stores, can be recycled.

16. Dual Stream versus Single Stream recycling?

East Longmeadow participates in dual stream recycling. Although single stream is convenient, mixing everything together leads to wet paper and bits of broken glass that can't be sorted. For the many cities that have now switched to single-stream with the goal of increasing their capture rates, these rising costs have been an unwelcome result. Single-stream wins in volume, but it sacrifices in quality and that costs our town more money. In December our town received $8 per ton for recyclables. Single stream communities received $0.

17. Where can I recycle boat wrap?

Round the Bend Farm located at 92 Allen Neck Rd, South Dartmouth, MA 02748. Its a year round, fee based program available to Massachusetts residents. Phone # 508-938-5127

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Main

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1. How do I contact a town department?

Visit the Staff Directory to find all department and staff contact information.

2. Where can I find the answers to my frequently asked questions?

Use the FAQs module to easily find answers to the questions you ask the most.

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Planning Board

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1. How do I contact the Planning Board?

The Planning Board is made up of volunteer members. For this reason, the Planning Board does not have a direct phone line that can be contacted by members of the public. All email correspondence to the Board must be submitted to planning-board@eastlongmeadowma.gov. Due to Open Meeting Law, the Board must respond to any emails during a public meeting. 

General inquiries can be submitted to planning@eastlongmeadowma.gov for a quick response. 

2. What are the procedures for public hearings?

In accordance with MGL C.40A-11, notice of public hearings are published in the Reminder newspaper for two successive weeks, not less than fourteen days before the day of the hearing and sent to all abutters within three hundred feet of the property line of the petitioner by mail.  

Click here to view Planning Board Public Hearing Procedures

Public comments may be submitted in writing or given during the scheduled hearing. Since the Board often hears several projects in an evening, hearings last a specified period of time. At the end of this time, the hearing may be either closed or continued.

In the event of continuation, direction is given by the Board to the applicant on revisions to the plans or information that is needed, and continued hearings may be several weeks or months in the future depending on how long it takes the applicant to gather the required information and the Board's workload. If a hearing is continued or delayed, additional abutters notices will not be sent back out; please refer the Planning Board section of the Agenda Center for details on all scheduled hearings.

3. How to I get notified of Planning Board meetings?

Anyone can sign up for email or text notifications by visiting https://www.eastlongmeadowma.gov/list.aspx

Once there, follow these instructions:

1. Type your email address in the box and select Sign In.
2. If you want to receive text messages enter your phone number and select Save.
3. To subscribe click Email icon and/or SMS icon next to "Planning Board" list under "Agenda Center"

In accordance with MGL C.40A-11, notice of public hearings are published in the Reminder newspaper for two successive weeks, not less than fourteen days before the day of the hearing and sent to all abutters within three hundred feet of the property line of the petitioner by mail.

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Recreation

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1. Where is the Recreation Department located?

The Recreation Department is located at 328 North Main Street, East Longmeadow. We share a building with the Council on Aging.

2. What are the Recreation Department hours of operation?

The Recreation Department office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.

3. How can I contact the Recreation Department?

If you need to contact the Recreation Department, you can either call us during office hours at (413) 525-5437 or email us.

4. How do I register my child for EL recreation programs?

• Walk-In: Visit our office to pay with cash or check.
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  Mail-In: Download a registration form from our website and mail with payment payable to the Town of East Longmeadow.
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  Online: Go to the Recreation page to register with a debit or credit card.

Recreation Department Page

5. What forms do I need to complete the registration process?

• EL Recreation Department Registration Form
• Updated Medical Form
• Copy of Birth Certificate, if registering child for the first time

6. When is my child eligible to participate in EL recreation programs?

For all programs, please sign your child up according to the grade he/she is currently enrolled in. For preschool programs, the child must be the specified age by the last day of the activity. Exceptions to these rules are at the discretion of the Recreation office or instructor of the desired program.

7. What is the deadline to sign up for recreation activities?

Deadlines to register for the various recreation activities are listed in our seasonal program listing. Seasonal Program Listing Page

8. If I am late to register my child for an activity, what are my options?

If you are late to register for an activity, your child’s name will be added to a waiting list and you will be contacted as openings for that activity become available.

9. What if I register my child for an activity and they choose not to participate, either due to lack of interest, injury or a conflict with another in-town recreation activity?

If your child is unable to participate in an activity and we are notified within a reasonable amount of time, we will be able to refund the fees paid. Check our refund policy for a complete description and timelines.

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School Building Committee

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1. ELHS Building Committee Frequently Asked Questions

GENERAL

What is the East Longmeadow High School Project?

The East Longmeadow High School Project encompasses all aspects of the planning and construction of the High School, including the selection of the Owner's Project Manager (OPM), designer, and contractor, as well as oversight of the project.

The Town of East Longmeadow is participating in the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) process for the design and construction of a new High School. Acceptance to the MSBA program does not guarantee state funding. The MSBA approval process must be completed successfully for the state via the MSBA to provide significant financial assistance to the project.

In June 2021, the Town approved funds for the East Longmeadow High School Feasibility Study. The final product of the Feasibility Study will be a construction project proposal for which the Town must approve funding via a Town Vote.

Why does East Longmeadow need a new High School building?

The MSBA offered East Longmeadow HS a grant opportunity for the following reasons:

• Most academic spaces are undersized relative to Massachusetts School Building Authority  guidelines.

• Technology and Special Education areas are substantially undersized.

• Science labs lack current technology and fail to meet current educational standards.

• Electrical systems are at capacity and frequently fail to meet basic electrical needs of the school.

• Transformer overheats, causing power outages and disruption of classes.

• School HVAC systems do not meet current ventilation requirements and lack central air conditioning

• Roof is out of warranty and deteriorating, resulting in leaks and causing classrooms and corridors to be closed temporarily.

• Old asbestos tiling, adhesives and insulation are becoming worn presenting a possible health hazard.

• Windows and doors are poorly performing and far below current code requirements causing significant energy loss.

What is the project schedule?

Who is on the East Longmeadow HS Building Committee, and when does it meet?

The School Building Committee represents school and town leadership, School Committee, Facilities Department, educators, architects, residents, industry professionals, parents, town meeting members, and more. The Building Committee meets monthly in the School Committee Conference room and via Zoom. The meetings are open to the public, and participation is encouraged. Agendas are posted here. 

Who is the MSBA, and what is their role in this project?

The  Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) is a funding partner for the East Longmeadow HS project and projects across the Commonwealth.

The Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) is a quasi-independent government authority created to reform the process of funding capital improvement projects in the Commonwealth's public schools. The MSBA strives to work with local communities to develop affordable, sustainable, and energy-efficient schools across Massachusetts.

 The Legislature created the MSBA in 2004 to replace the former school building assistance program administered by the Department of Education (now the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education).

The MSBA, which has a dedicated revenue stream of one penny of the state's 6.25-percent sales tax, is collaborating with municipalities to equitably invest in finding the right-sized, most fiscally responsible, and educationally appropriate solutions to create safe, sound, and sustainable learning environments.

PROCESS 

What happens in the current phase of the Project, the Schematic Design Phase? 

After the Preferred Schematic design option  is selected by the SBC, and approved by the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA)the projects enters the Schematic Design Phase. During this phase the Design Team works with the SBC to develop a space program, interior floor plans, exterior elevations, building system decisions and site design priorities so that a project specific construction budget can be developed.

The space program is the list of rooms and areas required in the high school The MSBA has strict program minimum requirements to which the district must adhere in order to achieve a reimbursement grant.

Toward the end of Schematic Design two independent cost estimates are developed and  reconciled. The School Building Committee will then review the cost estimates and request changes to the scope of the project, if necessary to reduce project cost.. At the end of Schematic Design, the Designer and the OPM will work to prepare the program, plans, and estimates, all in the format required by MSBA. This document, known as the Project Scope and Budget, will then be submitted to, and reviewed by, the MSBA.

If the MSBA agrees, the successful outcome is an executed MSBA Project Scope and Budget Agreement. Once the Project Scope and Budget is approved by MSBA, the MSBA grant funding proportion will be known, and in applying that to the estimate, the financial impact to the East Longmeadow member communities can be calculated. 

A debt exclusion vote to approve borrowing for the project is scheduled for November 7, 2023. 

How will the High School Project be funded?

The MSBA will contribute roughly $50-60M to the project from revenue raised from state-wide sales taxes. The MSBA grant is a contribution to the project that focuses on core educational and operational space needs. The MSBA grant program is not designed to pay the entire project cost.

The community of East Longmeadow will pay the remainder of the project cost, roughly $120M, through a 30 year bond. Town voters must agree to a “debt exclusion” to allow the Town Council to secure the bonds(debt) for the project.  A “debt exclusion” is a temporary increase in property taxes to pay for a specific debt or capital expense such as a building construction project.  A debt exclusion is not permanent.  When the project has been paid for, the temporary increase in property taxes will be revoked and taxes reduced.  

If the voters do not approve the project what happens? 

Ten (10) business days following the failed vote the district must submit to the MSBA a plan that presents the vote results and a request for a 120 day extension to explore other bonding mechanisms or to re-vote the debt exclusion. The MSBA will review the plan and determine whether it will continue to set aside MSBA funds for the proposed project. 

If the Town is not able to meet its share of the Scope and Budget Agreement the MSBA will typically close the project and the district will be required to submit a new Statement of Interest to the MSBA and await a new invitationto enter the Eligibility Period phase of the MSBA’s Core Program. Because of the backlog of projects waiting to enter the Core Program it can take 5+ years to restart the process.  If a second SOI invitation is granted to East Longmeadow for a second high school project, the MSBA will not participate in the cost of the Feasibility Study and Schematic Design. 

What is the cost of doing nothing?

East Longmeadow has an opportunity to receive approximately $55M in reimbursement for the current proposed new high school (based on rough calculations projected from the PSR estimate and standard funding caps). The MSBACore Program is the most sought-after reimbursement program for school building construction projects in the Commonwealth because of the size of the grants. The MSBA typically receives 50-75 Statement of Interests (SOI’s) per year. Ten to twelve areinvited into the Core Program.East Longmeadow waited six years to be accepted into the program after its submission of a Statement of Interest for the High School. 

In the event that East Longmeadow fails to approve its share of the funding for theproject, and is removed from the MSBA Core Program, then East Longmeadow would be faced with paying all of the cost of aa new project, a series of  piecemeal smaller capital projects undertaken of a number of years.  The current building is 63 years old.  Following the traditional Capital Planning Process, the following separate capital projects would become necessary:

• Full Roof Replacement

• Full Replacement of Failing systems, starting with the electrical with the mechanical and plumbing to follow

• Abatement project to address hazardous materials in aging finishes and systems

• Installation of sprinkler systems and replacement/lowering of ceilings to accommodate sprinklers

• Renovation of site and building to address accessibility issues

• Continued dependence on aging instructional technology and replacement in parts over time

• Continued dependence on undersized science labs, undersized gymnasium and undersized special education spaces.

• Continued loss of students to School Choice and Charter

• 
  

• Possible reduction in property values

• Possible reduction in State education funding

• Risk of NEASC accreditation for educational programming

COST 

When will we have a Total Project Budget and known costs to the taxpayer?

The exact project cost, MSBA grant, and Town share will be established at the end of October 2023 following the Schematic Design cost estimating process and Project Scope and Budget approval from the MSBA. Once the MSBA gives approval of its grant amount and the Project Scope and Budget  is established, the Town will hold a town-wide debt exclusion vote in November 2023 to approve local funding. The pool project will require a separate funding vote. 

Based on early comparable project costs and the anticipated construction timetable, the current project is projected to cost between $170M - $180M, with an estimated state grant of $50-60M and an estimated local share of the cost at $120M - $125M.

How much reimbursement do we expect to receive from the MSBA? 

MSBA will not calculate the potential grant for the ELHS Project until the conclusion of its Schematic Design phase. The District  will not receive any formal and final information regarding what the State will reimburse for the ELHS Project until late October 2023, after the MSBA has reviewed the Schematic Design. 

Based on rough calculations projected from the preliminary estimates and MSBA funding rules, the project team expects East Longmeadow to receive approximately $50-60M in reimbursements from the MSBA. 

Below is a list of MSBA’s current standard funding caps or limits:

1. Construction reimbursement limit: $393 per square foot. 

2. Site work reimbursement limit:  $39 per square foot.

3. OPM fee reimbursement limit: 3.5% of construction costs (MSBA participation cap at $550 per sf)

4. Designer fee reimbursement limit: 10% of construction costs (MSBA participation cap at $550 per sf)

5. Furniture Fixtures and Equipment (FF&E) reimbursement limit: $1,200/student based on eligible enrollment number. 

Do we account for inflation in the project budget?

Yes, the industry standard is to escalate to the midpoint of construction. Construction contingencies are also included to account for escalation.

Why did the SBC not elect to repair the current school and how much would that cost? 

A Base Code Upgrade option was studied during the Project’s Feasibility Study. (link to Existing Conditions Overview PPT).  This option included the repair of systems and scope required for purposes of code compliance; with no modification of existing spaces or their function. 

The Code Upgrade estimate addresses the cost of life safety improvements including the installation of a fire suppression system, energy improvements, accessibility improvements and upgrades to mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems to meet current building code requirements. This Base Code Upgrade would not meet the District’s educational goals nor would it provide education spaces that meet MSBA guidelines for teaching spaces The SBC ultimately voted to remove the option from further consideration. 

The estimated budget value for the Code Upgrade Option was based on a presumption that all upgrades would begin at the same time. In reality, it is unlikely the Town would ever undergo a single renovation effort of that scale all at once for several reasons. First, the school is occupied for9 months of the year and it would be difficult to undertake whole systems upgrades of this scale while occupied or over the compressed summer months.  Second, the Town Council would either have to pass a debt exclusion for the all of the work at one or segregate the systems and building/site component upgrades into several individual capital improvement projects occurring over a longer period of time. In that scenario; there would be additional escalation costs and soft costs to account for which are not accounted for in the Base Code Upgrade estimate. The below table summarizes the Base Code Upgrade Cost. More estimated cost information can be found on the PSR Estimate (include link).

Base Code Upgrade PSR Estimate Summary
Foundations	$692,100
Superstructure	$1,285,900
Exterior Closure	$9,722,206
Roofing	$5,566,000
Interior Construction	$7,493,534
Staircases	$96,346
Interior Finishes	$4,058,692
Conveying Systems	$95,000
Plumbing	$4,419,949
HVAC	$15,184,813
Fire Protection	$1,448,398
Electrical	$6,379,260
Equipment	$2,285,020
Furnishings	$2,064,900
Special Construction	$500,000
Demolition	$2,962,970
Hazardous Material Abatement	$2,070,988
Sitework	$1,495,175
Design & Pricing Contingency	$8,138,550
Escalation	$7,799,444
Phasing & Logistics	$2,034,638
General Conditions	$6,720,000
General Requirements	$1,715,878
Bonds	$428,969
Insurance	$1,286,908
Overhead & Profit	$2,878,369
Total:	$98,824,007

DESIGN

Are the current drawings showing the actual design and architecture of the future building?  

Yes.  The updated Schematic Design Plans and Elevations show the design intent and was developed in collaboration with the School Building Committee, faculty, students and community.  If funding is approved, the Design Team will work further for a year to detail the design and develop construction documents.

What's Included in the Project? 

• Construction of an entirely new high school that meets the District’s educational vision 

• A welcoming and accessible building and site 

• A new auditorium for music, drama and large assemblies

• New science, engineering, media and culinary arts labs

• A media center designed around 21st century learning

• A school designed to support the needs of diverse learners

• A safer and greener parking and circulation plan

• A new press box and concession stand

• Updates of recreation fields, including softball fields, tennis courts, and basketball courts

• A new, separately funded six-lane community pool and locker rooms

• Outdoor teaching areas and indoor community meeting spaces

• Inclusion of District Central Offices, IT Department, and ELCAT Studio 

• Inclusion of a large rooftop solar array, EV charging stations and ahighly efficient mechanical system

• A school and site that is LEED certified and meets East Longmeadow’s Green Community standards

• Up-to-date instructional technology and furnishings

• A school that is air conditioned and efficiently heated and supported by an emergency generator

Why are the Central Offices, IT Department, and ELCAT Studio included in the project?

The Town and SBC actively explored alternate locations for the Central Offices, IT Department, and ELCAT Studio. However, there were no alternate spaces available within the Town’s current properties. Therefore, new offices would have to be purchased and fit-out to house these offices. Town Council and the SBC ultimately felt that moving these programs out of the project would lead to more cost and logistical complexity for East Longmeadow. At the February 7, 2023, Joint Council and SBC Meeting, the two boards gave direction to keep these spaces within the project where they can support the community in a single, central, accessible public building.

Why is a pool not included in the High School project?

The MSBA does not participate in the funding of a pool in school construction projects. The East Longmeadow Pool Building Committee has been established and the JWA/SMMA design team have been hired to design for a six-lane community pool building adjacent to the new high school, as a separate project on the same schedule. The new pool will require a separate funding vote at the same time as the vote to approve the ELHS Building Project. The two projects are anticipated to be completed at the same time, if approved by the voters.

Why not renovate the existing school?

The School Building Committee looked at a base repair option and found that cost savings were outweighed by the educational outcomes and long term operational benefits of an entirely new school designed to meet the District and community’s needs.

Specific downsides to a renovation project were:

• Poor overall plan organization

• Results in undersized classrooms

• Results in lowered ceiling heights to accommodate installation of ventilation and sprinklers

• Security concerns associated with entry and exit locations and site control

• Variance requirements for accessibility issues

• Continued reliance on natural gas boilers

• Continued operational expense associated with less efficient building design

• Requirement to relocate students and staff during two year renovation process

There would be many challenges bringing the building up to code and would result in smaller than current classroom sizes and floor-to-floor heights.

Why is there not more parking at the sports fields in the current site plan? 

The primary goal for this high school project is designing through the lens of students and staff, the primary users of the campus.  The current design strives to balance a student-oriented and pedestrian friendly campus, while providing adequate vehicular circulation, parking, and emergency access.  Driveways and parking surrounding the entire perimeter of the building detracts from the connection to outdoor learning and social spaces and can be a safety concern.  The school staff, students and community have voiced a strong desire to connect the new building and outdoor student spaces to nature - the wooded areas and resource areas to the south.  To achieve this goal, the current site layout seeks to limit vehicle circulation and parking generally to the north half of the site and keep the areas around the southern half (adjacent to the outdoor student spaces) more pedestrian friendly, while still providing adequate emergency access.  Visitors to the athletic fields will be able to use the staff parking lot at the front of the building as well as the parking lot to the west of the building and access the fields using the paths provided.  We have also incorporated a limited number of accessible parking spaces at the end of Norden Street to provide closer access to the western fields for those with limited mobility. 

CONSTRUCTION

When will the new building be complete? 

In the current design and proposed schedule, the new East Longmeadow High School would be in use by September 2026, followed by a year of demolition and site work on the existing school footprint. 

Where will students be housed during construction? Will modulars be needed during construction?

The existing High School will remain fully occupied during construction which results in no modular classrooms or swing-space. It will be the top priority and utmost importance to limit the disruption to students. The Construction Manager at Risk (Firm TBD) and Project Team will be working with the School Administration to mitigate noise, vibration, and dust, and ease of access during the construction process. 

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Senior Work-Off Abatement Program (SWAP)

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1. At what age can you apply for the SWAP?

Taxpayers must be aged 60 prior to January 1st to earn property tax abatement under this program. Proof of age will need to be provided at time of application by completing the Form I-9.

2. Do I have to own the property in order to apply for the SWAP?

Yes, the taxpayers must be the assessed owner of the property as of January 1 of the applicable assessment year or, if the property is subject to a trust, the senior must have legal title, (i.e. be one of the trustees) to the property on which the tax to be abated is assessed. Where there is a question, the Board of Assessor’s will make a final determination.

3. Is there a minimum amount of years I have to own and occupy a property in East Longmeadow to apply for the SWAP?

Yes, the taxpayer must have owned and occupied a home in East Longmeadow for a minimum of five (5) years prior to January 1st. If the ownership and occupation is not a consecutive five years, the taxpayer must provide details of previous ownership and occupation (ie, address, dates) at the time of application which will be confirmed by the Assessor.

4. Will I be able to participate in the SWAP if I owe back taxes?

Yes

5. What is the maximum amount of hours I could work during the year in the SWAP?

The maximum abatement taxpayers may earn will be based on 125 hours for the period January 1 through November 30th. The taxpayer cannot receive credit for their services at an hourly rate higher than the state’s current minimum wage.

6. How will my hours worked in the SWAP be documented?

Hours worked must be documented in the time sheet provided at orientation and signed off on by the volunteer and his/her supervisor.

7. Can more than one qualifying owner participate in the SWAP per fiscal year?

No, only one qualifying owner of the parcel may earn an abatement under this program per fiscal year.

8. What happens if I am participating in the SWAP and due to circumstances, I cannot complete all of the hours?

If a selected owner cannot fulfill the commitment for all hours, another owner of the same property may complete the program if he/she also meets the SWAP requirements.

9. Where can I obtain an application for the SWAP?

Applications are available at the Council on Aging at 328 North Main Street and on the Town website.

10. Will everyone who applies receive a position in the SWAP?

No. There are a limited number of available positions each year. Taxpayers may be asked to interview for a position and the person who best meets the needs of a position will be selected. If there are more applications than available job positions, a lottery will be used.

11. When should I submit my completed application for the SWAP?

Completed applications must be received by October 1st to be considered for the SWAP for the upcoming calendar year. No late applications will be accepted.

12. Where do I submit my completed application?

All applications will be submitted to the Council on Aging at 328 North Main Street.

13. The application says that a CORI & SORI check will be done. What is a CORI & SORI check and why is one being done?

CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) and SORI (Sexual Offender Registry Information) is a record of all criminal court appearances in Massachusetts for a particular individual, including arrests, convictions, dismissals, and serious violations. All employees of the Town of East Longmeadow, including SWAP applicants, are subject to a CORI & SORI check as required by policy. This information is kept strictly confidential.

14. Am I ensured this position from year to year?

No, program selection is valid for one year. Applicants must reapply annually if they wish to participate again.

15. Who is responsible for administering SWAP?

A five-member committee consisting of the Executive Director of the Council on Aging, the Director of Assessing, the Director of Municipal Finance, the Human Resource Director, and a member at large will beresponsible for overseeing this program.

16. When will I receive my Senior Work-off Abatement?

All hours must be completed between January 1st and November 30th. You will receive a certificate of completion and a W-2 by January 31st of the following year. The abatement is applied to the following year’s tax bill (i.e. hours worked and credit earned between January 1, 2019 and November 30, 2019 will be applied to FY 2020 beginning on July 1, 2019). Therefore, you will be able to use it for your remaining unpaid taxes for your third and fourth quarter bill (which will be split in half between the two quarters). However, you will not see it credited on your bill statement until your fourth quarter bill dated May 1st.

17. Since participation in the SWAP is considered income earned, will there be taxes deducted?

Yes, the abatement is subject to federal social security withholdings (FICA and Medicare) and the taxpayer is responsible for filing the income earned. The abatement is not subject to state income tax withholdings. The Town will pay the employer share of the federal withholdings and issue a W-2 in the same manner as it does for all other employees. The employee’s share of these deductions will be deducted from the abatement amount. This means that the actual amount abated from the tax bill will be the amount earned less federal tax withholding.

18. Who should I contact if I have additional questions?

Questions regarding the program may be directed to the SWAP Committee at swap@eastlongmeadowma.gov. You may also go to the Council on Aging at 328 North Main Street, East Longmeadow, MA or call 413-525-5400 ext. 1401.

19. What if I sell my property before I see the abatement on my real estate taxes?

You will notify your closing attorney to ensure that you are properly credited for your abatement as part of your closing.

20. Will I qualify to participate in the SWAP program if I currently receive a Statutory Exemption on my real estate taxes?

Providing your Statutory Tax Exemption and your Senior Work-off Tax Abatement combined does not exceed your total tax liability you would qualify to participate.

21. If I do not receive a SWAP position can I still volunteer with no compensation?

Volunteering in your community is always encouraged.

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Zoning Board of Appeals

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1. What Matters are Considered by the Board of Appeals?

The Building Commissioner, as the Zoning Administrator for the Town, is charged with enforcing all zoning bylaws of East Longmeadow. In East Longmeadow, the Zoning Board of Appeals has the power to hear and decide a reversal of the decision made by the Zoning Administrator. The Zoning Board of Appeals has the power to hear and decide petitions for Variances.

Also, the East Longmeadow Board of Appeals reviews and approves Comprehensive Permits under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 40B [Sections 20-23] for development of affordable housing proposals. Decisively, the Board of Appeals hears repetitive petition cases and appeals to Site Plan approval if parties of interest should be aggrieved by the findings of the Planning Board. All discussion of matters must be conducted in public under the Open Meeting Law.

To submit a Variance Petition, submit an Appeal to a decision of the Building Commissioner, submit an appeal to Site Plan Approval by the Planning Board, or discuss a matter that could be considered a Repetitive Petition, or discuss a Comprehensive Permit under Chapter 40B, please contact the Department of Planning and Community Development by phone or email.

2. What to Expect in a Public Hearing?

1. Public Notice

Abutters and others who have expressed interest in keeping abreast of Zoning Board of Appeals cases receive a letter, via the US Postal System, informing them of a scheduled public hearing. This “Notice” is also published in the legal notice section of The Republican newspaper.  This information may also be found under the Local Notice Classifieds on MassLive:  If someone desires to express their opinion regarding a matter before the Zoning Board of Appeals, but is unable to be present at a meeting, persons of interest are welcome to submit written comment via email or letter to the Department of Planning and Community Development. Comments are provided by the department to the ZBA for consideration. Applicants/Petitioners are required to be present at the Board of Appeals hearing

2. Public Hearing

 At the first hearing, the applicant will describe their intent, or give testimony, to the Zoning Board of Appeals.  Plans that have been submitted by the petitioner to the Department of Planning and Community Development were made available to the ZBA in advance of the hearing so its members could review the information prior to the meeting and be well prepared for discussion of the petition at the hearing. During the hearing, the Board of Appeals may also consider any comments regarding the petition received from other municipal departments. Written comments from parties of interest unable to attend the hearing may be taken under advisement by the Board of Appeals. Those in attendance may voice comment in support or against the petition to the Board of Appeals. All are requested to please maintain civil, respectful, and courteous discourse and behavior which is conducive to the democratic and harmonious airing of concerns and decision making. The Board may pose questions to the applicant/petitioner. Since the Board often hears several projects in an evening, hearings last a specified period of time. Should additional information to render a decision be required, the ZBA and applicant/petitioner may agree to continue the hearing to a definitive date and time.

 3. Close of Hearing

After all testimony is duly considered by the ZBA, the hearing is closed and the Board of Appeals votes on the specific matter that has come before them.

• Staff prepares the Decision for an Appeal or Variance within fourteen (14) days of the close of hearing.
• The Decision is delivered to the office of the Town Clerk by staff where it is received and date stamped to start the 20 day appeal period.
• Occasionally, the hearing process is delayed due to weather, the absence of a Board member or at the applicant's request. To verify that a hearing is being held on a scheduled date, you can call the Planning and Community Development office at 413-525-5100 x 1700 or check the Agenda and Minutes page
• If a Public Hearing is continued to a definitive date or delayed because of matters beyond the control of the Department of Planning and Community Development, abutter notices will not be resent, nor will the public hearing be re-advertised in the local newspaper.