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Select Board begins weighing $2.1M from Coast Guard housing sales for sidewalks, library match or public safety
Summary
The board discussed options for roughly $2.1 million in proceeds from Coast Guard housing sales that must be used for capital projects; proposals included matching a $1 million library fundraising request, funding sidewalks (Castle Road) and contributing to a public safety facility, but timing and statutory limits were raised.
The Nahant Select Board on July 15 opened a substantive discussion about roughly $2.1 million in net proceeds from recent Coast Guard housing sales and where that one‑time money might be spent.
Town Administrator (speaker 1) told the board the sale proceeds first paid down acquisition and demolition loans and left a receipts‑reserved‑for‑appropriation account of just over $2,000,000. She said state statute requires proceeds from the sale of town property be used for capital purposes for which the town would otherwise borrow, and therefore the funds cannot be used for ongoing operating expenses.
Board members and residents suggested several competing uses. The library’s fundraising campaign is seeking a $1,000,000 town match to leverage donor gifts; the administrator said a town match would likely require borrowing if the cash is not available immediately. Members also proposed using proceeds for rebuilding sidewalks connected to the Castle Road redesign and for potential public‑safety facility costs raised during a recent feasibility study.
Officials noted practical constraints: the money is one‑time revenue, capital projects will require procurement (a full RFP if estimated costs exceed $50,000), and an easement may impose a five‑year window to reconstruct certain sidewalks. Board members agreed they need ballpark estimates, a prioritized capital list and coordination with the Planning Board before recommending an appropriation to town meeting.
Residents in public comment urged prioritizing sidewalks. Carrie Collins (speaker 6) said the sidewalk damage after the sale should be addressed with the Coast Guard proceeds. George Mahovin (speaker 5) also raised sidewalk concerns and asked for transparency about signage and enforcement. Town staff said they would gather estimates and bring options back to the board for consideration and potential placement on a future town‑meeting warrant.
Next steps: the board directed staff to compile project lists and rough cost estimates, coordinate with the planning process for Castle Road, and prepare information for public discussion and possible town‑meeting action.
