EDAC to arrange site visit to old Hooksett town hall after preservation article
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Summary
Committee members agreed to inspect the town's old town hall and consider how the building might be rehabilitated or used, following recent coverage and a town survey; the committee will coordinate times and post a meeting for a site visit.
Members of the Economic Development Advisory Committee discussed the historical old town hall, recent public coverage and a town survey about potential uses and said they will arrange a site visit to assess rehabilitation options.
"It has a lot of historical significance and value, and I think it should... have some use," a member said after referencing an article in the town newsletter and a recent town survey. Committee members suggested organizing a walk-through and possibly advising the town on benefits and adaptive uses for the structure.
Why it matters: Committee members said a rehabilitated town hall could provide civic and community value, and they noted earlier town estimates showing it would cost roughly $2 million to rehabilitate the building to usable standards. They discussed that voters previously turned down higher-cost rehabilitation plans and that a new approach might focus on practical uses aligned with community needs.
Next steps: Tony (a local preservation advocate referenced in the meeting) offered to help arrange access. Committee members proposed posting the visit as a meeting and encouraged members to attend; staff were asked to coordinate scheduling and confirm whether the Town Hall Preservation Committee or town staff had recent survey results to share.
Ending: EDAC members agreed informally to organize the site visit; staff will coordinate with Tony and Leanne (staff) to identify dates and share survey materials ahead of the walk-through. No formal decision on funding or scope was made.