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Town declines to exercise right of first refusal on Cedar Crest hospital acreage
Summary
Staff recommended and council signaled it would decline the state’s right-of-first-refusal offer for roughly 28 acres associated with Cedar Crest Hospital, citing high purchase price and likely remediation and demolition costs.
Manager Jonathan briefed the council on a state offer of right of first refusal on approximately 28 acres of the former Cedar Crest hospital property. The state’s valuation for the parcel, after adjustments, led to an estimated purchase price in the low tens of millions; staff recommended the town decline because remediation and demolition costs, plus the appraised price, would make purchase a poor use of taxpayer funds.
The manager noted portions of the larger parcel (including the northern strip and acreage near a quarry) may enter conservation easement discussions in the state’s process, and that the 60‑day window for a municipal response would not allow the town to complete a meaningful Phase I/II environmental review. Councilors concurred that the town should not expend taxpayer funds to buy the parcel at this time and authorized the mayor to sign whatever paperwork is required to decline the right of first refusal.
The council asked staff to monitor the state’s disposition process and to revisit municipal options only if the state’s sale falters and the property becomes developer‑available at a materially reduced risk and cost.
