Charlton Select Board hears heated debate over due diligence funding for proposed senior center at former Charlton Furniture site

The Charlton Select Board on Tuesday heard extensive testimony and divided input over whether the town should spend up to $50,000 on engineering, environmental and design studies to evaluate buying the former Charlton Furniture building on Dressler Hill Road as a new senior/community center.

Town Administrator Andrew said the feasibility committee recommended the town "appropriate $50,000 in total to support due diligence assessment in preparation for further consideration of acquiring property for this purchase." He outlined estimated costs: a property-conditions assessment $5,000–$10,000; a Massachusetts 21E hazardous-materials assessment $2,500–$5,000; an appraisal $2,500–$5,000; and schematic architectural design $15,000–$30,000.

The recommendation came from a committee formed three years ago to study options for a new senior center and community center. Pat Stockwell, chair of the senior/community center feasibility committee, told the board, "I've been on the committee since it was…