Patent Homestead appraisal delivered; town to post RFP if heirs confirm non-purchase

The Select Board heard an update on the future of the Patent Homestead property at the June 29 workshop.

Staff said the property appraisal has been shared with the family heirs and that, on preliminary conversations, heirs have verbally indicated they do not plan to purchase the parcel. The town will seek written confirmation; once received staff will finalize a boundary survey and post the property for sale via a request-for-proposals (RFP) process. Staff outlined statutory procurement and advertising requirements: the property must be advertised on the central register and in a paper of record for the required period before bids are opened.

The Patent Foundation (a nonprofit mentioned in the meeting) has indicated interest and told staff it has financing lined up and planned uses in keeping with the survey materials presented at a prior town meeting. Board members discussed whether the foundation’s intended nonprofit uses would be treated as a nonconforming use under current RA (residential/agricultural) zoning. Staff said options include a Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) use variance or working with the planning board on a longer-term zoning overlay; either path could affect timing.

Staff estimated the town could advertise the property for sale in July and have a post‑RFP review of bids in late August. Offers could be made contingent on obtaining necessary variances or zoning changes. The board directed staff to prepare the RFP and suggested a public planning-board meeting this summer to review the application and the zoning implications before the RFP closes.