Redevelopment authority bought downtown building; council discusses repair and rehab costs

Council members reviewed a recent acquisition by the town's redevelopment authority: a downtown building purchased for about $227,000. Members said the property had loose bricks above a window and that town crews or contractors removed the loose masonry to eliminate an immediate hazard.

Speakers said redevelopment acquired the building to prevent further deterioration and to position it for rehabilitation by private backers. Estimates cited in the discussion ranged widely — from roughly $1 million to $5 million — and council members said the authority will pursue funding partners. “We bought it because it was empty and falling apart, basically,” one speaker said, describing the rationale for redevelopment's purchase. Council did not authorize a specific rehabilitation appropriation during the meeting; the item was discussed as part of ongoing redevelopment work.