Article 67 Hardy Study Presentation¶
T o w n o f A r l i n g t o n · 2 0 2 6 A n n u a l T o w n M e e t i n g
M a y 6 , 2 0 2 6
Warrant Article 67
Hardy School HVAC Feasibility Study and
Schematic Design
FY27 Appr o p riatio n R e quest
$375,000
J u l i e W a y m a n , D e p u t y T o w n M a n a g e r - F i n a n c e
Why are we considering this?
We expect grant funding to make a new electric system cost-competitive with
gas replacement.
Article 67 appropriates $375,000 to fund a study and schematic design to make
the best decision for the town.
Due to our acceptance into the MSBA Accelerated Repair Program, the town will
receive a 43% reimbursement (~$161,250), resulting in a final cost of $213,750.
The Hardy School HVAC (existing buildings) is nearing end of life.
The Town supports the climate actions set out in our Net Zero Action Plan.
We will evaluate four options - each with a different outcome.
Gas (No A/C)
C O S T T O A R L I N G T O N
$3.97M
No grants available
Air Conditioning
Net Zero Aligned
MSBA Eligible
IRA Direct Pay
Green School Works
Gas + Air Conditioning
C O S T T O A R L I N G T O N
$8.87M
No grants available
✓ Air Conditioning
Net Zero Aligned
MSBA Eligible
IRA Direct Pay
Green School Works
Air Source Heat Pumps
C O S T T O A R L I N G T O N
$4.52M
$10.0M before grants
✓ Air Conditioning
✓ Net Zero Aligned
✓ MSBA Eligible
IRA Direct Pay
Green School Works
L O W E S T C O S T
Geothermal
C O S T T O A R L I N G T O N
$3.71M
$13.2M before grants
✓ Air Conditioning
✓ Net Zero Aligned
✓ MSBA Eligible
✓ IRA Direct Pay
✓ Green School Works
✓ Climate Leaders Eligible
✓ Climate Leaders Eligible
Tonight starts a deliberate process.
1
May 6, 2026
Town Meeting votes YES on Article 67
2
Summer 2026
MSBA assigns project OPM and Designer. Feasibility study
begins.
3
Spring 2027
Construction vote at Town Meeting as part of Capital Plan
The impact of a NO vote.
1
Replacement happens regardless — potentially as a costly emergency
2
Arlington exits grant and incentive programs already underway —
MSBA, Green School Works, DOER, IRA, MassSave all require advance
planning
3
Opportunity to make progress on Arlington's Net Zero Action Plan
goals missed until next replacement, approximately 20 years
“YES” authorizes $375,000 to determine the best path forward for
Hardy School's HVAC replacement.
1
Preserves eligibility for MSBA, IRA Direct Pay, MassSave, Climate
Leaders, and Green School Works funding
2
Returns to Town Meeting in Spring 2027 with a full design and cost
picture — no construction is authorized tonight
3
Positions Hardy School for air conditioning and long-term Net Zero
alignment
4
Avoids a costlier, unplanned emergency gas replacement with no
funding offsets
