School Decision Likely at Conservation Meeting

The next step in the construction of the new will likely be known following tonight’s Conservation Commission meeting.

After discussion on the environmental impact of the school plans for a , Conservation Commission members are expected to issue the formal Order of Conditions for the project.

“We believe that we’ve given them a complete set of documents for the project and I fully expect they will make a decision tonight,” said Town Manager Michael Caira. “This is an important decision. It really speaks to whether or not the town will be able to do this project in a timely manner and cost efficient way.”

Caira said if the Conservation Commission approves the plans, the town will begin site work for the . Once school is out for the year, plans would begin for demolition of the gymnasium.

Wednesday’s meeting begins at 7 p.m. in , Room 9. The school project is the first item on the agenda.

At the last Conservation Commission meeting, the design team presented options for offsite mitigation that would make up for the impact the project will have on the surrounding environment.

“The architectural and civil design teams have done a very good job in preparing, presenting and following up on citizen and commission concerns regarding the wetlands impact of the project,” said Superintendent of Schools Joanne Benton. “As a result, our civil engineers and wetlands consulatants believe that the plans and protocols established meet the obligations and requestions of the Wilmington Conservation Commission and Massachusetts DEP.”

Check back with Wilmington Patch on Thursday for complete coverage of Wednesday’s meeting.