Future of Metropolis Rink hinges on new state studies

Already 19 months from the collapse of the Metropolis Skating Rink, state officials have decided to conduct additional feasibility and use studies before deciding where and how to replace the damaged state-owned facility.

The state Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) have informed selectmen that they are looking at three possible sites: the existing location on Route 138; the Indian Line Farm property on Route 138; and the former Norwood Junior High South site on Washington Street in Norwood.

The state also wants to conduct an operations and market demand analysis, including review of four operation scenarios: state built, state owned and state operated; state built, state owned and privately operated; state built, state owned and municipally operated; and privately built, privately owned and privately operated.

In a report to selectmen, Town Administrator Charlie Aspinwall said it will take two to four weeks to award a feasibility study architect, and the study will take four months to complete. Public hearing participation opportunities are built into the study process.

Selectmen John Connolly and Victor Del Vecchio and state Representative Bill Galvin recently met with DCR officials and emphasized that the community supports a facility in Canton. They added that there is pent-up demand for a publicly operated facility and the town is ready to work with the state on the project. DCR Commissioner Leo Roy told Connolly that he would try to expedite the process, acknowledging the 19-month delay.

There is also news on insurance proceeds. Already the town has received $2 million, which must be “sent down” by February 28, 2019, in order to obtain an additional $1 million in damages.

The only positive news on the skating rink front is that the Canton Ice House, a private facility financed and built by three Canton residents, has received building permits to open its doors on North Street. In fact, CHS Athletic Director Danny Erickson has already announced that the CHS boys and girls hockey teams will play their home contests at the new rink this winter. Selectmen Chairman Bob Burr said he toured the facility during the summer and came away very impressed …

See this week’s Canton Citizen for more highlights from the September 20 selectmen’s meeting, including: updates on new liquor license applications, a second proposed medical marijuana dispensary in Canton, South Coast Rail meeting reaction and more. Not a subscriber? Order by October 15 and receive a $10 discount. Click here to subscribe today (also available in digital form).

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Posted by Mike Berger on Sep 23 2016. Filed under News, Town Government. Both comments and pings are currently closed.