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Board backs $3.4 million Brownfield cleanup application for 171 W. Main St.
Summary
The Hillsborough Board of Selectmen authorized applying for a $3.4 million EPA Brownfield Cleanup grant to remediate contamination at 171 West Main Street and form a steering committee to guide reuse planning; the application lists a municipal complex as one possible use but allows sale for commercial use if residents do not support town ownership.
Nancy Merrill reviewed a draft EPA Brownfield Cleanup grant application asking for $3.4 million to continue remediation at 171 West Main Street and to establish a Brownfield Steering Committee to lead community engagement and reuse planning.
"The request is for $3.4 million for the purpose of continuing to clean up the site," Merrill said during the public hearing. The application would fund remediation work over a three-year term and requires a steering committee composed of representatives from regional planning, economic development, the planning board, Greater Hillsborough Senior Services and the Chamber of Commerce.
During public comment, resident Leigh Bosse said he did not want the property used for a municipal complex and urged the committee to determine the best use for the site. Chairman James C. Bailey told Bosse that "including the municipal complex in the application doesn’t bind them to that project if it isn’t supported by the residents," and that sale for commercial use is an alternative included in the application.
Questions from other attendees covered responsibility for any future contamination and the fate of on-site equipment. Jon Daley asked who would be responsible for unknown future contamination; the board said the grant includes a state-issued covenant not to sue that would accompany the land. When asked about a crane on the property, Town Administrator Laura Buono said the Highway Department would dismantle it and put it out to bid if it could not be reused.
The application notes that the remediated property could be repurposed for a municipal complex or sold for commercial use if municipal reuse is not supported. The steering committee is expected to meet approximately twice per year to plan reuse.
Chairman Bailey moved to authorize the town administrator to execute all documents necessary to apply for the EPA Brownfield Cleanup Grant for 171 West Main Street and, if awarded, to accept and expend the funds; Selectman Richard Pelletier seconded the motion and it passed.
