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Council debates renovating 742 Manger Ave.; mayor says no remodeling without a plan
Summary
Council discussed whether to renovate the former fellowship hall at 742 Manger Ave for short‑term rental or commercial use, weighing ADA and parking upgrades, architect/engineering requirements and cost estimates; a motion to proceed without a full plan drew a mayoral veto threat and the council will seek formal plans and cost estimates before any work.
Council members discussed redevelopment options for 742 Manger Ave, the red‑brick former church building, including a short‑term $30,000 renovation proposal to make the property immediately rentable. Proponents argued modest work could bring in rent quickly; staff and others cautioned that commercial occupancy triggers ADA, restroom, parking and fire‑safety code requirements and that architectural and engineering plans are typically required for commercial occupancy changes.
One council member framed a low‑cost interim approach: "If we do it for 30,000 and get 1,000 in rent, we could pay it off in 2 and a half years," the member said. Staff responded that earlier estimates put renovation and parking improvements substantially higher (the meeting referenced figures in the range of $70,000 to $100,000 once code compliance and parking were considered).
A motion to move forward with renovation work was made and seconded, but the mayor said he would veto any remodeling carried out "without the full plan in front of us" and emphasized that the council should not proceed to spend or obligate the town until a formal plan and clear financials are provided. Members agreed to bring in LJA (design consultants) for a presentation and to seek detailed cost estimates and a formal bid package and timeline before taking a binding vote.
