Keeping Dale at Dale Helps to Achieve Climate Goals Faster

Thanks to citizen advocacy and much-needed discussion, positive actions have been launched to increase Medfield sustainability practices to combat climate change; the Dale Street School project is part of those efforts.

But beyond aiming for Net Zero energy savings in a building project, it's also important to look at the larger issue of transportation-related emissions (reported to be #1 contributor to greenhouse gases), as well as the impact of loss of open space and suburban sprawl.

It doesn’t take much to realize that moving 400 4th and 5th grade students from the current downtown Dale Street location to a more remote site will increase automobile dependence, and cause increased traffic around the proposed Wheelock location.

Keeping Dale at Dale, while continuing to pursue aggressive energy conservation goals, provides the best chance of reaching Medfield’s climate-change goals faster, and with more overall community benefits. (Scroll to the end for information on related Town Meeting citizens petitions and how to get involved.)

Consider this:

• Engineering studies of the Wheelock site report that traffic will go from "good" currently to "very bad" with a second school on historic Elm Street.

• We currently have an abundance of walkers and bikers to/from Dale Street each day because of its close proximity to 2x the number of homes vs. Wheelock. The reliance on vehicle transportation will increase for the Wheelock site, especially considering the lack of sidewalks on busy side roads within a 1/2-mile radius of the school.

• With a combined bus drop-off/pick-up area at Wheelock planned, the danger of increased emissions from idling school buses and cars (even within legal limits) cannot be overlooked. Consider this article on school bus emissions alone.

• Studies show we're at least 10 years away from having a majority of electric vehicles on the road vs. gas-powered. In the meantime, we can't afford to make a situation worse on environmentally sensitive Elm Street by building a second school on the site.

• Net Zero energy strategies can absolutely be applied to an addition/renovation project, as well as new construction. EverSource, energy consultants, and our own residents have provided examples.

• Building a second school on the Wheelock site will result in the destruction of an estimated 8 acres of contiguous open space with loss of established trees and undergrowth that provide wildlife habitat. Replacement plantings will require initial care, ongoing maintenance, and a great deal of water for at least the first year, if not longer during drought conditions.

When taking all factors into consideration, re-use of the current Dale Street School site as a school, with Net Zero energy goals factored into the project, is the most environmentally responsible option overall.

The Elm Street neighborhood is not the only one that will be negatively impacted if 4th and 5th grade moves across town. Anyone living 1.5 miles south of Main Street (from Rte. 27 to Nebo St. as east/west points) will contend with unnecessary increases in school-related traffic due to four schools located within a mile of each other vs. spread out more equitably in town. And despite later dismissal times for elementary schools, even the superintendent expressed concerns about traffic congestion caused by high school students arriving at the Wheelock site for sports practices while school was letting out.

Annual Town Meeting Gives Citizens a Voice

Community members who care about keeping Dale at Dale should be sure to attend the May 17 Town Meeting and vote "Yes" on the related Citizen's Petition (currently Warrant Article #29) that seeks to keep Dale Street School where it is. (Another Warrant Article from a Citizen's Petition seeks to form a study committee to review the current bylaw governing town building projects and committee appointments.)

For more information about the articles:

• View the March 22 presentations made to the Warrant Committee by Dale at Dale advocates.
• Read the handout provided on bylaw committee rationale.
• Take a look at the follow-up letter sent to Selectmen.

The Dale Street School Project is Not an All-or-Nothing Proposition

Despite claims otherwise, Medfield has a window of opportunity to make a site change because of its current Feasibility Study Agreement with Massachusetts School Building Authority. That agreement remains in place until a Project Scope & Budget Agreement is signed this coming July/August, or until the Feasibility Study Agreement expires on Nov. 30, 2021 -- whichever comes first.

Records show MSBA has shown a great deal of flexibility with other towns by granting extensions for a range of reasons -- even after a final board project vote -- and not requiring school projects to return to the eligibility phase.

Towns have the best chance of obtaining extensions, making project changes, and retaining MSBA funding while the Feasibility Study Agreement is still in effect. This general message was also relayed by a Dale Street School Building Committee member at a Board of Selectmen meeting last year.

Residents interested in learning more about Dale at Dale can join the mailing list by clicking on "contact us" at DaleatDale.com or sending an e-mail to daleatdalemedfield@gmail.com.