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Finance Committee recommends surplus declaration, $300,000 asking price for 130 Elm Street school building
Summary
The committee recommended declaring the former Helen May Sauder School at 130 Elm Street surplus and setting a $300,000 sale price, citing building deterioration, limited city resources for maintenance, and an appraisal and A&R lot included in the council packet.
The Finance Committee voted to recommend the Gardner City Council declare the land and buildings at 130 Elm Street — the old Helen May Sauder School — surplus for disposition and establish a sale price of $300,000.
Mister Merrick, a city staff member, presented the item and said the packet included an appraisal from Bathory and Associates and an A & R (approval not required) lot plan that separates the property from the Stonefield and Elm Street School lot. Merrick said the city lacks resources to maintain the building but does not want to demolish it if a viable buyer can preserve and reuse it.
Merrick described substantial roof leaks and water damage and said the building has historic value; the historical commission has walked the structure to determine items for preservation. He said the appraisal in the packet was provided but the committee discussion emphasized the condition issues behind the decision to set a reduced asking price of $300,000 rather than relying solely on the appraisal.
Councillors asked about parking, zoning and traffic; staff said the Elm Street School parking remains attached via the shared driveway and that police department review did not show traffic concerns. The committee voted unanimously to recommend the surplus declaration and asking price to the full council.
