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SPENCER – The town is hoping a developer will come forward with plans for the former Cherry Street fire station, now that the Request for Proposals (RFP) no longer includes a minimum purchase amount.
On September 2, the Building and Property Re-Use Committee, heard about the process, which began about 20 years ago, according to Town Administrator Jeff Bridges.
In 2006, Town Meeting granted its approval for the building to be sold so no further action is required by members.
The fire station ceased being used for that purpose in 1975. For a time, it was used as storage for town departments and then fell into disrepair.
Bridges said a clawback provision was also removed from this iteration of the RFP. Basically, a clawback provision says, “if you don’t do x, the town will take the building back.”
Member Corey Lacaire asked for clarification on the clawback provision, using a scenario of the original use switching from a museum and meeting space into apartments.
The administrator explained the developer and town will sign a land development agreement, whereby “it will all be agreed to before any work takes place.”
There is security built into the agreement for completion of the project, Bridges said.
The agreement will establish “benchmarks,” with the other party as well as agree upon a timeline, he said.
Gary Woodbury, who was elected chair at the start of the meeting, said he hoped removing the minimum requirement would result in more interest and qualified bids this time.
Jared Grigg was selected as vice-chair.
The RFP gives the option of sale or lease, although the latter is very unlikely, Bridges said.
“There’s been a lot of activity on this building…hopefully something will happen this time,” Woodbury said.
Lacaire suggested the site get cleaned up to “make it more acceptable,” so people can walk it much like they would when buying a house.
The administrator noted they could make sure debris is removed but access to the building is limited.
The last structural evaluation appears to have been done in 2016, according to Bridges.
Fire Chief Bob Parsons noted the way the former station is built, each floor is separate.
Bridges noted once the RFPs are reviewed, the town can select and proceed with a developer.
Cell tower at Lake Street School discussed
The town administrator also talked about the former Lake Street School and its demolition by American Environmental, the same company used for the demolition of David Prouty High School.
As a result of a fire at the First Congregational Church of Spencer two years ago, Bridges reminded committee members that a temporary cell tower was put at the site.
Bridges explained that two companies responded to an RFP for those services. The town received bids from AT&T the current provider and Verizon, which co-locates on the tower.
He said AT&T appears to be a more advantageous bidder but a three-member committee comprised of staff will review both proposals closely and return with a recommendation.
The plan is to put the issue on the fall Town Meeting warrant.
The administrator noted that AT&T has three proposed locations—including behind a cul-de-sac adjacent to the property line.
“It can’t stay smack dab in the middle of the property,” Bridges said. He added the towers meet zoning criteria but will still require a special permit from the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Lacaire said the grassy portion of the property would be “perfect for a ton of things down the road if the (town) can develop it.” Lacaire mentioned a Town Common, which is a suggestion Selectman Jonathan Viner put forth earlier this year.
The next meeting of the Building and Property Use Committee will be on September 9 at 6 p.m.