Episode Two: The Halliwell Property
View the complete transcript.
Hosts: Elizabeth Hammond & Sarah LaFontaine
Episode Summary:
Elizabeth and Sarah dig into one of North Smithfield's longest-running unresolved issues: what to do with the former Halliwell Elementary School property. After the school closed in 2019, the town has spent seven years cycling through proposals, committees, and pivots — and still has no community center to show for it. With a $4 million federal grant on the clock and election season approaching, the hosts break down the full history and what residents can do right now.
In This Episode:
Recording Day Chaos – The episode almost didn't happen: a hotspot internet connection, and a fully recorded episode that was never actually started. They're back, 10 hours later.
Why Two Parts? – What was planned as one episode on Halliwell + the police station became two separate episodes to give each issue its due.
What Is Halliwell? – A quick explainer on the former Halliwell Elementary School, closed in June 2019, tucked off Route 146A.
A Pattern of Delays – From the 2019 closure to a January 2024 demolition decision, the hosts trace five years of inaction, committee turnover, and deferred maintenance questions.
The Multi-Generational Center Vision – What the town could build: a space for seniors, young families, after-school programs, and community connection — and why it matters as North Smithfield grows more diverse.
The Funding Gap – $4M secured via congressional grant (expires 2031), but the $7.29M project has a $3.29M shortfall. State and federal grant priorities aren't lining up, and the town isn't classified as a disadvantaged community.
The Scouters Hall Pivot – Town Administrator Scott Gibbs proposed moving the $4M grant to renovate Scouters Hall instead — folding it into a broader Main Street revitalization vision. The hosts walk through the pros, the concerns (parking, zoning, scout program access, feasibility), and why it might just restart the clock again.
Grant Risk – If the federal government recalls unused grant funds, the town could lose the $4M entirely — a real possibility in the current political climate.
Open Meetings Act & The Pace of Government – Why every pivot adds months (or years) of mandated process: public comment, advertising, environmental studies, rebidding.
Committee Morale – When the town council doesn't follow its own committee's recommendations, what's the point of having a committee?
Election Season – All five town council seats are up. Residents who care about Halliwell need to show up now.
Call to Action:
Attend a town council meeting and speak during the public comment period (3 minutes, any topic, no agenda requirement)
Email your town councilors
Join the Facebook group: Public Comment North Smithfield (residents only)
Follow on Instagram: @NPublicCommentNS
Website: NSPublicComment.com
Hosts: Elizabeth Hammond & Sarah LaFontaine
Episode Summary:
Elizabeth and Sarah dig into one of North Smithfield's longest-running unresolved issues: what to do with the former Halliwell Elementary School property. After the school closed in 2019, the town has spent seven years cycling through proposals, committees, and pivots — and still has no community center to show for it. With a $4 million federal grant on the clock and election season approaching, the hosts break down the full history and what residents can do right now.
In This Episode:
Recording Day Chaos – The episode almost didn't happen: a hotspot internet connection, and a fully recorded episode that was never actually started. They're back, 10 hours later.
Why Two Parts? – What was planned as one episode on Halliwell + the police station became two separate episodes to give each issue its due.
What Is Halliwell? – A quick explainer on the former Halliwell Elementary School, closed in June 2019, tucked off Route 146A.
A Pattern of Delays – From the 2019 closure to a January 2024 demolition decision, the hosts trace five years of inaction, committee turnover, and deferred maintenance questions.
The Multi-Generational Center Vision – What the town could build: a space for seniors, young families, after-school programs, and community connection — and why it matters as North Smithfield grows more diverse.
The Funding Gap – $4M secured via congressional grant (expires 2031), but the $7.29M project has a $3.29M shortfall. State and federal grant priorities aren't lining up, and the town isn't classified as a disadvantaged community.
The Scouters Hall Pivot – Town Administrator Scott Gibbs proposed moving the $4M grant to renovate Scouters Hall instead — folding it into a broader Main Street revitalization vision. The hosts walk through the pros, the concerns (parking, zoning, scout program access, feasibility), and why it might just restart the clock again.
Grant Risk – If the federal government recalls unused grant funds, the town could lose the $4M entirely — a real possibility in the current political climate.
Open Meetings Act & The Pace of Government – Why every pivot adds months (or years) of mandated process: public comment, advertising, environmental studies, rebidding.
Committee Morale – When the town council doesn't follow its own committee's recommendations, what's the point of having a committee?
Election Season – All five town council seats are up. Residents who care about Halliwell need to show up now.
Call to Action:
Attend a town council meeting and speak during the public comment period (3 minutes, any topic, no agenda requirement)
Email your town councilors
Join the Facebook group: Public Comment North Smithfield (residents only)
Follow on Instagram: @NPublicCommentNS
Website: NSPublicComment.com
