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Meeting report · Board of Selectmen
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Board of Selectmen — June 30, 2026

The meeting was a standard presentation and Q&A session where residents asked technical and budgetary questions that were addressed by staff and architects.

Date Tuesday, June 30, 2026 Duration 1.0h Speakers 1 Public comments 4 Routine
▶ Video
Preferred Alternative site plan with key points Video still
Preferred Alternative site plan with key points Frame from meeting video ▶ 34:53
Summary AI-generated to surface controversy & community impact without bias — always verify against the actual meeting before relying on it.

New London taxpayers deserve more than "back of the napkin" estimates when millions of dollars are at stake.

During the June 30 Board of Selectmen meeting, architects presented plans for a new Department of Public Works (DPW) facility and vehicle bay expansion. While the project is intended to fix critical issues—such as deteriorating infrastructure and a salt shed that poses a risk to local water sources—the projected cost remains vague. Officials noted that the current $8 to $9 million estimate is not yet a detailed, line-by-line breakdown.

The meeting also touched on significant land-use questions. There was discussion regarding whether the site could accommodate a potential police station. However, the Board and DPW staff expressed concern that over-developing the lot for a police facility would be "shortsighted" and could prevent necessary future expansion for public works services.

A detailed cost estimate is expected within the next two weeks. We will continue to track this project to ensure that New London residents receive a clear, evidence-based accounting of how their tax dollars are being allocated.

Jun 30, 2026 1.0h long 1 speakers 4 public comments Routine
❝ Notable statements ↔ Drag to browse

“The current estimate of 8 to 9 million dollars is a 'back of the napkin' estimate, not a final line-by-line cost.”

— Speaker A (Steven Roy) · Responding to a resident's concern about the high projected cost of the preferred option. ▶ 38:21

“It would be really shortsighted if we tried to overbuild that lot [for the police] if we need space for DPW expansion.”

— Speaker A (Sam/DPW Representative) · Discussing the use of the upper lot and the potential for adding other municipal departments. ▶ 1:01:26
This meeting — choose a section

Public ⁠impact

Issues from this meeting with documented community impact.
What was discussed

Estimated $8 million to $9 million capital project.

What happened

The board received the presentation and requested a more detailed, line-by-line cost estimate.

Topics ⁠discussed

Each topic expands to quotes and full context.
Proposed Option 1 site plan and key points Video still
Proposed Option 1 site plan and key points ▶ 08:53
Speakers: Speaker A (Steven Roy), Speaker A (Kevin Aken), Speaker A (Board Member), Speaker A (Sam/DPW Representative)
What was discussed

Architects Steven Roy and Kevin Aken presented several design options for a new Department of Public Works (DPW) office and vehicle bay expansion.

What happened

The Board listened to the presentation and asked clarifying questions regarding roof maintenance, solar potential, and cost differentials. The architects emphasized that the preferred option maximizes vehicle storage and operational efficiency.

Police Department site plan and requirements Video still
Police Department site plan and requirements ▶ 40:13
Speakers: Speaker A (Steven Roy), Speaker A (Kevin Aken), Speaker A (Board Member)
What was discussed

The architects provided preliminary studies on whether a police department could be accommodated on the northeast portion of the DPW site.

What happened

The Board and DPW staff agreed the priority should remain on the DPW facility and not over-develop the upper lot at the expense of future public works needs.

Controversy & ⁠dissent

Where the board, the community, or the agenda diverged.

Potentially controversial issues

01

DPW Public Works Facility Project

The project involves a significant capital expenditure (estimated between $8-9 million) and land-use decisions regarding whether to expand the DPW or accommodate a potential police station.
Board position: The board signaled support for prioritizing the DPW facility and maintaining site flexibility for future public works needs rather than over-developing the lot for a police station.
medium concern

Public ⁠comment

What residents said — verbatim, with timestamps.
5
Speakers
8
Comments
8
Addressed
0
Partial
0
Not addressed
Steven Roy
▶ 02:04
Addressed
Steven Roy and Kevin Aken from Wyman Land Architects presented various design options for the new Department of Public Works (DPW) facility. They detailed site restrictions, the condition of existing buildings, and compared five different construction alternatives to find a long-term solution. Key concern
Presenting progress reports and design options for the DPW project.
Board response
The board members asked several clarifying questions regarding roof maintenance, solar capacity, construction costs, and operational impacts.
The presenters and board members engaged in a thorough Q&A session covering all technical and financial aspects of the presentation.
Kevin Aken
▶ 05:09
Addressed
Kevin Aken provided technical details regarding the existing DPW garage's condition and the various architectural options. He explained the benefits of the preferred alternative, including improved vehicle bay capacity and office space. Key concern
Providing technical details on DPW facility design and site improvements.
Board response
The board asked questions about snow management, solar panels, and cost differentials for roof types.
All technical questions raised by the board were answered by the architects.
Rich
▶ 20:05
Addressed
Rich asked about the cost differences between flat and peaked roofs and inquired about the potential for adding a second level to the building for future growth. He also asked about the current level of deterioration of the existing siding. Key concern
Cost differentials of roofing, future vertical expansion, and siding condition.
Board response
The architects responded that vertical expansion is impractical due to vertical transportation needs and explained that siding replacement is currently included in the pricing.
The architects provided specific answers to each of his technical and budgetary questions.
Sam
▶ 25:39
Addressed
Sam asked how DPW operations would be affected during the construction process. He also discussed the importance of managing snow shedding away from garage doors. Key concern
Operational continuity during construction and snow management.
Board response
The architects suggested using the upper lot for temporary storage and timing construction to avoid peak winter operations.
The presenters provided a strategy for managing operations during the construction phase.
Rich
▶ 46:48
Addressed
Rich asked for a justification for performing all renovations at once rather than waiting, specifically regarding the salt shed and recycling building. He also inquired about potential storage needs for the Conservation Committee. Key concern
Justification for immediate construction and future storage for town committees.
Board response
The presenters explained the environmental risks of the salt shed and the inefficiency of the recycling building; the DPW official suggested the Shepard Pit for committee storage.
The board/presenters addressed both the timing of the project and the alternative storage location for committees.
Unnamed Resident
▶ 56:53
Addressed
A resident asked which of the presented options was a simple replacement versus an expansion, and whether the extra capacity was truly necessary. Key concern
Understanding the necessity of expansion versus simple replacement.
Board response
The DPW representative explained that the current fleet already occupies almost all existing bay capacity.
The DPW official clarified that the current facility is at capacity, justifying the need for more space.
Unnamed Resident
▶ 1:02:00
Addressed
A resident inquired about the $9 million estimate and requested a breakdown of costs, such as the specific cost for the salt shed. Key concern
Clarification and breakdown of the project cost estimate.
Board response
The architects clarified that the $8-9 million was a 'back of the napkin' estimate and promised a detailed breakdown in upcoming reports.
The architects explained the nature of the estimate and how future detailed breakdowns would be provided.
Rich
▶ 1:02:00
Addressed
Rich asked if there were any future requirements or needs that the current plans might be overlooking and inquired if a potential police station might be 'shoehorned' into the site. Key concern
Future-proofing the design and the suitability of the site for a police station.
Board response
The architects noted that while a police station could fit, it might be better to preserve the space for DPW expansion to avoid shoehorning.
The architects provided a professional opinion on the trade-offs between a police station and DPW expansion.

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fiscal responsibility and budget uncertainty
New London taxpayers should be watching the DPW facility project closely. Architects presented a preferred design on 6/30, but the $8-9 million estimate is currently just a "back of the napkin" figure. We need real numbers... https://meetingwatch.org/nh/new-london/select-board/2026-06-30/ #MeetingWatch #NewLondonNH
316/280 chars
land-use decisions and municipal priority
At the 6/30 Board of Selectmen meeting, officials discussed using DPW land for a potential police station. While debated, the Board signaled they will prioritize DPW expansion over "shoehorning" a police facility onto the... https://meetingwatch.org/nh/new-london/select-board/2026-06-30/ #MeetingWatch #NewLondonNH
315/280 chars
infrastructure necessity vs. fiscal impact
The current DPW salt shed risks contaminating local water sources. Addressing this is vital, but the proposed solution involves a massive capital expenditure. How much will this $8M+ project actually cost New London... https://meetingwatch.org/nh/new-london/select-board/2026-06-30/ #MeetingWatch #NewLondonNH
309/280 chars

X thread

1
New London is looking at a major infrastructure overhaul, but the price tag is still a moving target. Here is what happened at the June 30 Board of Selectmen meeting regarding the new DPW facility. 🧵 #MeetingWatch #NewLondonNH
226/280
2
Architects presented design options for a new DPW office and vehicle bay. The preferred option is estimated at $8 to $9 million, but officials admitted this is a "back of the napkin" estimate, not a final line-by-line cost. We need precision on this.
250/280
3
The project isn't just about buildings; it's about land use. There was discussion about potentially fitting a police station on the site, but the Board and DPW staff cautioned against "shoehorning" it in and sacrificing future DPW needs.
237/280
4
With environmental risks like the current salt shed threatening local water sources, the work is necessary. However, with millions in taxpayer funds on the line, the Board must provide a detailed, transparent cost estimate before any decisions are finalized.
258/280
5
The architects are expected to provide a detailed cost estimate within two weeks. We will be watching for those numbers. #NewLondon #LocalGovernment https://meetingwatch.org/nh/new-london/select-board/2026-06-30/
172/280

Facebook — long form

New London taxpayers deserve more than "back of the napkin" estimates when millions of dollars are at stake. 

During the June 30 Board of Selectmen meeting, architects presented plans for a new Department of Public Works (DPW) facility and vehicle bay expansion. While the project is intended to fix critical issues—such as deteriorating infrastructure and a salt shed that poses a risk to local water sources—the projected cost remains vague. Officials noted that the current $8 to $9 million estimate is not yet a detailed, line-by-line breakdown.

The meeting also touched on significant land-use questions. There was discussion regarding whether the site could accommodate a potential police station. However, the Board and DPW staff expressed concern that over-developing the lot for a police facility would be "shortsighted" and could prevent necessary future expansion for public works services.

A detailed cost estimate is expected within the next two weeks. We will continue to track this project to ensure that New London residents receive a clear, evidence-based accounting of how their tax dollars are being allocated. https://meetingwatch.org/nh/new-london/select-board/2026-06-30/ #MeetingWatch #NewLondonNH

Action ⁠items

Who owes what, by when.
Provide a detailed cost estimate for the preferred DPW facility option and reasonable comparative numbers for other options.
Assigned: Steven Roy / Wimman Land Architects · Due: 1-2 weeks

Member ⁠positions

1 issues · 0 explicit · 0 inferred · 3 unclear
A split vote in this meeting was recorded without naming the dissenter (e.g. a voice vote). Members whose individual vote could not be confirmed are marked UNCLEAR below — this is not the same as a “yes.” Named votes will be filled in if official minutes record them.
Present
DPW Public Works Facility Project UNCLEAR
Prioritize DPW facility and site flexibility over police integration.
Richard Anderson
Selectman
Present
DPW Public Works Facility Project UNCLEAR
Prioritize DPW facility and site flexibility over police integration.
Bebe Hammond Casey
Selectwoman
Present
DPW Public Works Facility Project UNCLEAR
Prioritize DPW facility and site flexibility over police integration.

Positions marked ~ are inferred from context and may not reflect the member's explicitly stated position. UNCLEAR means the vote was split but the record did not name how this member voted — it is not a “yes.”

From the meeting

Proposed Option 3 site plan and additions Video still
Proposed Option 3 site plan and additions ▶ 11:27
Proposed Option 4 site plan and improvements Video still
Proposed Option 4 site plan and improvements ▶ 13:16
Proposed Option 5 site plan and key points Video still
Proposed Option 5 site plan and key points ▶ 15:08
Construction Delivery Approach slide Video still
Construction Delivery Approach slide ▶ 46:18
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Report composed by gemma-4-26b, grok-4.20-0309-reasoning, grok-4-fast · analyzed 2026-07-01.