NEWS: School Dept. May Stay Put at Prescott School afterall [with video]
In a surprising turn of events, Town Manager Haddad said that he does not want Groton-Dunstable Regional School District to vacate their offices located in the old Prescott School building in August and asked them to reconsider and share expenses with the town. "I want to find a way to work this cooperatively" he said. Concerns about the impact of selling Prescott School could have on the Center seem to have driven the town to ask the School committee to reconsider their move out of the historic Main Street building.
Groton-Dunstable Regional School Committee Chairman Alison Manugian told the Board of Selectmen, "We are open to this," adding that the school committee had been thinking along these lines and that vacating a building also has its costs. "There is an appeal for a central office...This could be a win-win for everyone."
In realted news, local architect Gregory Yanchenko withdrew his offer to purchase Prescott School for $35,000 in a letter he sent to Selectmen this week. In it, according to Town Manager Mark Haddad, Yanchenko cited that there was "not enough commitment." Nevertheless, Selectmen did not accept the withdrawal. Haddad said he asked Yanchenko to wait as negotiations with him are still ongoing and that they may be able to reach agreement. The plan submitted by Yanchenko would provide office space for three businesses on the first floor, offices on the second floor, allow for municipal parking in the rear of the site, open the gymnasium to the community, and allow for community carwashes. His offer would include an elevator to the second floor and over $1M in renovations.
The Prescott School Re-Use Committee had unanimously rejected Yanchenko's bid, citing the low price. Re-Use Committee member Russ Burke cautioned the Board about "short term expediency and long term regret" and suggested that they look at a long term lease on the old school building that is in the heart of the town.
The town plans to contact two appraisers now that they have a clearer use for the building to get an assessment of its value.
