Bathrooms/Food Stand Could Cost $300,000 [Poll]

Only one part of the Milford High School athletics complex has remained the same through the construction of the past few months: the concession and restroom buildings.

This part of the $2.5 million Community Field project was pulled out, with the intention of completing a renovation as a separate job. On Monday, Milford Selectmen learned the new bathroom and concession facility could cost as much as $300,000.

An article on the special town meeting warrant will ask voters to approve $150,000 for planning and constructing a "concession stand and related facilities" at the high school facility. When combined with $150,000 in savings from the athletics complex work now underway, this would provide a total of $300,000 for the concession and bathroom facilities.

starts at 7:30 p.m. Monday.

Initial estimates for the concession and bathroom facilities have ranged from $150,000 to $300,000, said Selectman Brian Murray, who is the board's representative to the community field committee. If the money is approved at town meeting, he said, the project will be put out to bid over the winter.

Murray urged his colleagues to support the article. "It's something that's needed and I look for your support."

If it doesn't get approved, he said, the town will be left with a beautiful new athletics facility "with Port-a-Potties on it."

Selectman William Buckley said he was still "struggling to understand" how the facilities could cost that much to renovate.

He challenged the anticipated high end of the price range, and voted against a motion to recommend the article for approval by town meeting voters.

"Tell me we're not going to have a $300,000 hot dog stand with restrooms in it," Buckley said.