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Methuen council tables resolution to declare Searles Estate surplus, seeks more detail before RFP
Summary
The Methuen City Council delayed action on a resolution to declare the Edward F. Searles Estate surplus and authorize a request for proposals (RFP). The mayor and supporters said a competitive RFP is the best path to preserve the property; some councilors pressed for stronger safeguards, tax protections and a fuller RFP template before any sale.
The Methuen City Council on Monday tabled a resolution that would have declared the Edward F. Searles Estate at 209 Lawrence Street surplus and authorized the city to solicit proposals under Massachusetts procurement law.
The measure, introduced by Councilor Campagnon and seconded by Councilor Ferretra, would have directed the mayor to issue an RFP under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 30B with requirements for historic preservation and restoration. Mayor Neil Beauregard and members of his Searles Estate advisory committee told the council they favor a competitive process to secure private or public-private investment to restore and preserve the estate while avoiding placing the full restoration burden on Methuen taxpayers.
Supporters said the RFP approach preserves the city’s…
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