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After bond defeat, council asks manager for options on Reverend Morrison House
Summary
Following a lopsided vote against spending on the Reverend Morrison House, the council directed the town manager to compile multiple options — including donation to a historical society, sale, or other preservation strategies — with pros and cons and a public‑hearing plan.
After voters decisively rejected a bond to fund rehabilitation of the Reverend Morrison House, the Londonderry Town Council on March 16 directed the town manager to return with a range of options for the property.
Councilors said they did not want to demolish the historic building and asked staff to investigate alternatives including donation to a historical society, transfer, limited repairs, sale at nominal cost to a preservation group or potential relocation of the structure. One councilor asked the manager to include the pros and cons and to prepare materials for a public hearing.
Why it matters: The Morrison House is a historic structure in the town center; voters' repeated rejections of bond funding have left the building's future uncertain. Councilors emphasized creativity and urged the manager to develop options that would preserve the building without burdening taxpayers.
Public input at the meeting urged formation of a "friends" group, corporate sponsorship and fundraising alternatives; one resident recommended engaging nonprofit mediators and national programs to depolarize local debate.
Next steps: The town manager will develop and return to council with multiple options and recommended next steps, including public outreach and a hearing schedule.
