Fall River About To Decide Fate Of Durfee

Voters in Fall River are heading to the polls today to decide whether or not they'll pay over 98 Million dollars for a brand new Durfee High School. The $98.5 million will be the city's share of the $263 Million replacement project.

The current B.M.C. Durfee High School was built over 40 years ago, but officials say it was poorly constructed and is falling apart. Those in favor of having a new school built argue that a complete renovation of the current Durfee would cost Fall River residents more than it would to build the new school. According to heraldnews.com, the city would be resposible for the complete cost of over $147 million for renovations. If a new school is built, the state will pick up 60% of the cost of construction.

Those opposed to having a new school built say that the needed tax increase would be a burden on home onwers and renters as well. The estimated increase woould be about $115 each year to taxpayers.

If the new high school is approved by voters, it expected that it would would open to students in the fall of 2021. Polls in Fall River are open until 8 p.m. tonight.