Chester Theater inquiry, building condition and deed restrictions cloud old elementary school RFP
Summary
Select Board members and public speakers discussed the Old Elementary School RFP, noting an exploratory inquiry from the Chester Theater, concerns about the building's condition and septic, and how parking-lot deed restrictions might limit developer interest. Board members said they want the RFP posted to test interest; demolition remains a fallback option.
The Select Board and members of the public discussed the Old Elementary School RFP at length on Aug. 10. Brian Forgue said he has heard the Chester Theater may be interested in buying the building, though he described that interest as exploratory. Public commenter Nick Chiusano said he was concerned about the state of the building and that in "five years' time, that building would have no other option than to be demolished." Rich Holzman, speaking from the Old Elementary School Committee, said the RFP content and restrictions were developed after detailed committee work and that delays stemmed from internal PVPC issues, not the town.
The group discussed a shared septic system and how maintenance costs are currently borne by the town; they also discussed whether including parking-lot access restrictions in the deed could deter developers. Brian Forgue said he wants the RFP posted as the next action; Jill Strong agreed. Board members and the public acknowledged the RFP may be restrictive and could reduce developer interest; if no responses are received, demolition was discussed as a possible future step.
No final disposition was decided at the Aug. 10 meeting; the Select Board and the Old Elementary School Committee identified posting the RFP as the next step to test market interest.
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