Clifton council approves $2,500 for temporary repairs to Pink House after $18,000 exterior estimate

The Clifton Town Council voted Aug. 6 to authorize $2,500 in one-time spending to address temporary safety and maintenance needs at the Pink House while officials weigh larger renovation options.

Town Administrator Laura Jane Cohen told the council she had asked local architect and ARB chair Royce Jarrendt to inspect the property and provide a rough cost estimate. Council members were advised that the vendor who provided an estimate indicated it would cost about $18,000 to repaint the exterior, replace window glazing and address wood rot. Vice Mayor Regan McDonald moved that “the Town approve $2,500 to address temporary measures to shore up the Pink House,” a motion the council approved by roll call, 4–0.

Councilmember Steve Effros said the Finance Committee will revisit its earlier recommendation to sell the property in light of the new cost information and tasked that committee with reviewing options. Administrator Cohen offered to act as the primary point of contact for the building’s occupants for ongoing maintenance requests.

The council discussed limiting immediate work to safety-related tasks so that the current tenant’s business operations would not be unduly disrupted while a fuller feasibility study is considered. Citizen Geri Yantis suggested pursuing historic renovation funding and conducting a full feasibility study; the council agreed the Finance Committee should examine funding sources and next steps.

Next steps: the Finance Committee will review the new estimate and prior recommendations; no long-term commitment or sale decision was made at the meeting.