PZC recommends purchase of 214 Bolton Center Road as temporary town offices

The Bolton Planning & Zoning Commission voted 5-1-1 on Oct. 14 to recommend that Town Meeting approve the purchase of 214 Bolton Center Road to relocate town office space.

Joshua Kelly and Administrative Officer Sandra Pierog presented the proposal, saying the house (built 1879) could provide immediate office space and relieve crowding at Town Hall. They cited a 2018 report that estimated renovating the Notch Road Municipal Center (NRMC) at about $8 million and a 2014 figure of roughly $6 million for adding onto Town Hall as context for pursuing an existing property instead of a major renovation.

Commissioners discussed building condition, parking, accessibility and utilities. Zoning Enforcement Officer Jim Rupert said the residence had prior permits and inspections and was "in remarkable condition" for its age and that the septic system appeared adequate for the proposed office use. The presenters proposed first-floor-only accessibility improvements, potential ramp installation, and reusing yard space for pedestrian access or community gardens.

Opponents and cautious members pressed for renovation cost estimates and long-term planning. Commissioner Thomas Manning said he opposed the recommendation, referencing the town’s long history with the NRMC and arguing the building had been neglected as a policy choice. Chairman Adam Teller said he would moderate the Town Meeting and therefore abstained from the commission vote.

The motion — moved by Chairman Adam Teller and seconded by Commissioner Thomas Robbins — passed with five in favor, one opposed (Manning) and one abstention (Teller). Patrice Carson told the commission that a PZC recommendation changes the threshold at Town Meeting from a two-thirds majority to a simple majority for approval.

The item will proceed to Town Meeting for a final vote; the commission did not adopt a conditioned engineering review before making its recommendation.