Old Fire Station Likely To Become Bike Shop & Food Stand

An ad hoc committee of town officials and residents unanimously recommended the town accept a bid of $100,000 for the Center Fire Station, a bid submitted by Dan McElroy. The bid proposal would convert the second floor of the historic building to a residence, while using the first floor to house a bike shop and a food stand, both businesses serving growing recreational activity generated by the Rail Trail traversing the town at the foot of Station Avenue. Selectmen supported the committee's recommendation, but the ultimate disposition of the building will be determined by vote at Annual Town meeting.

The next highest bid for the First Station was $75,000 coming from Jennifer Spencer who planned to convert the structure to a residence; the third bid for $40,000 came from John Kelly for a private business and was followed by $20,000 from David Malpegnano who also wanted to use the building for business. The last bid of $5,000 came from Joshua Andreasen proposing a residence and restaurant.

Prescott School Proposal

The Prescott School, located in the heart of the center on Main Street received one bid for $35,000 from Gregory Yanchenko, AIA. His proposal for the building included a TIF - Tax Increment Financing Plan - that allows for reduced payment of real estate over a 10-year period. Starting with zero percent the first year and increasing by 10 percent each year until the tenth year at 90 percent.

A committee met with Yanchenko to discuss additional components of his proposal that includes making the back of the school into municipal parking and opening the gymnasium in the school for community use.

Yanchenko proposed using the space for offices for HKA architecture firm, Bio.Docs.com and another business and putting in an elevator along with $1.7M worth of renovations.

The Town Manager had contacted two appraisers to secure a market appraisal that valued the property at $1.5 million after improvements are done.

Selectman Chairman Peter Cunningham added that in the sale of municipal property, a broker is usually not used as there is no commission included in the deal. Selectman Anna Eliot, also a member of the Prescott School Re-use Committee, pointed out that Prescott was fairly well marketed, and there had been a lot of exposure for the building. Haddad added that Prescott is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places, so that is another hurdle for any changes to the building.

There is still more discussion scheduled with Yanchenko, and Cunningham said that he wants more information from the group working on it before the Board makes a decision.