TownCrier · Middleboro

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Freetown Board of Selectmen

Tuesday, May 19, 2026 · 47 min

At a glance

  • Residents will vote on the new library and Council on Aging project at the June 1st Town Meeting.
  • The new library and Council on Aging project secured nearly $10 million in federal grant funding.
  • School roof repairs were approved and will commence soon to prevent leaks.
  • The town prioritizes fixing existing infrastructure like roads and sidewalks before new construction.
  • Upgrades are planned for local parks, including new pickleball courts and accessible features.

Here’s what Freetown’s Board of Selectmen discussed on May 19, 2026, synthesized for Middleboro residents:

Financials & Expenditures

A new Library and Council on Aging building project has secured almost $10 million in federal grant money. This significant funding will support the construction of a combined facility.

The school roof repair for Freetown Elementary was approved recently and will move forward quickly to prevent leaks. This project is part of a broader town priority to fix existing infrastructure before building new structures.

The town allocates a budget to the Long Pond Association to maintain water cleanliness and control invasive species like milfoil.

Zoning & Planning

The new Library and Council on Aging building is planned for 32 acres of land recently purchased across from the school. This combined facility aims to accommodate hundreds of people, a significant increase over the current small libraries that fit only 5 to 11 people.

The town is working on upgrades for existing parks, including a new pickleball court in Sconticut Neck (Sony) and potential improvements at Central Park. These Central Park improvements may include basketball courts, stages, new playgrounds, and additional parking.

Freetown generally avoids attracting “big stores” like McDonald’s or Chick-fil-A. The community prefers to maintain its small-town feel and low traffic volume, which also makes the town less appealing to large businesses.

Architects are exploring options to make the town beach more accessible and user-friendly for community events.

Resident Action & Public Hearings

The new Library and Council on Aging project is awaiting resident approval, with hopes for a vote at the Annual Town Meeting on June 1st.

The Annual Town Meeting is scheduled for June 1st. Discussions will include the town budget and various upcoming projects.

Students are encouraged to submit their ideas for motivational signs around town and any desired town changes to Mrs. Bell’s Own or their teachers.

The Hidden News

Many residents are divided on the train; some value its connectivity to cities and transportation, while others are negatively impacted by its noise, fences, crossings, and vibrations. The town has limited direct power but continues to advocate on behalf of residents with state and federal governments.

A key town motto is to prioritize “fixing what we have today,” including sidewalks, existing buildings, and vehicles, before embarking on new construction. The Select Board listens to resident opinions on budget allocations for these priorities.

The Select Board expressed a desire for more community events to strengthen the town’s small-town identity and encourage residents to engage locally.

The town plans to make all new projects “Ada compliant,” ensuring accessibility for people with disabilities. This includes features like ramps and automatic buttons at Town Hall, accessible materials for new courts, and accessible swings in parks.