A reader this week asked: “What is being built at the recycle center in Wellesley?”
We figure she’s not the only one wondering why there are even more cool trucks than usual at the Recycling and Disposal Facility (RDF), so here’s the answer.
The town is building a new RDF administration building to replace the existing 1997 structure, which has failing mechanical systems, a deteriorating roof, insufficient office and storage space, and a lack of accessibility. The new structure, $5.5m in funding for which was approved at Special Town Meeting in the fall, will be 3,300 sq. ft. space, and meet all the latest sustainability standards.
The building, twice as big as the current one, is being designed for easier public access as well.
Construction started recently and is expected to be done by spring of 2027. The RDF will remain open and operate as usual during the construction period.
The project has been on the drawing board for a while. A feasibility study was funded and conducted between 2018-2020, but the town’s Permanent Building Committee (PBC) held off moving forward because it was too busy with other projects, such as new school buildings.
During the design process PBC looked at either redoing the current building or constructing a new one, and decided on the latter. Going with a new building better addresses public and staff traffic flow, the body decided, and won’t impede upon other existing buildings. What’s more, providing swing space won’t be required while the new building goes up.
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$5.5M – ok. So why is DPW asking for the outrageous figure of $160M that you reported a few weeks ago?
That’s a different project and location. The larger project refers to the DPW headquarters etc next to the fire station on Rte. 9.