Town officials will hold a third auction for a home at 345-347 Main St., Plainfield, in the hopes of finding a successful bidder for the property that was taken by the town in 2015 due to non-payment of taxes.
“We already had two failed auctions,” Select Board Chair Howard Bronstein said. “The first was in February and the second was in March.”
Bronstein said that two bids had been received in March, one of which was accepted at $25,000, but the purchase fell through when the buyer was unable to secure the funds for the property.
“We set another auction because we discovered that there were other people who were interested in the property,” Bronstein said. “As far as I know right now, there are two interested parties.”
Located across from the Town Hall and the Plainfield Congregational Church, the property was once an important part of everyday life, serving as the town’s general store.
In the early 1900s the building was known as “Gurney’s Store” and in the 1950s it was called the “Packard Store.” Many in town still refer to the home as “the old Packard Store.”
According to Bronstein, the property has been used as housing for many years now and has fallen into disrepair.
“It has been a residence since I moved here 35 years ago,” he said. “It’s not in great shape and really needs a lot of work, that has been part of the problem.”
If the house is not sold at auction, Bronstein said that the town will have to tear it down as it cannot afford to refurbish the building. That demolition however, would be “monstrously expensive,” he said.
A minimum bid has been set at $1,000 and a $750 deposit will be required at auction.
Bronstein said he is crossing his fingers that the auction will produce a qualified buyer.
“We are hoping that by May 15 we will have the property back in the hands of a private owner and back on the tax rolls,” he said.
A sealed bid auction will be held on Tuesday, April 25, at 7 p.m. at the regular meeting of the Select Board at the Town Hall. Those interested in the property should refer to the information posted at the Town Offices or call 634-5420.
The Hilltown Arts Alive Drawing Group is a casual group of artists who meet every Friday from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Cummington Community House on Main Street.
Anyone interested in drawing the clothed figure is welcome to participate at no charge.
Individuals are asked to bring their own art materials and take a turns modeling for the group. People may also bring food to share with group if they so choose.
All ages and experience levels are welcomed to attend.
For more information, contact Kathryn at 464-5628.
If you are a history buff, enjoy sharing stories with others or just looking for an interesting volunteer opportunity, you may want to check out the Trustees of the Reservation as they invite you to “travel back in time and take hundreds of visitors with you.”
The organization is looking for dedicated individuals to volunteer as tour guides at the William Cullen Bryant Homestead, the historic home of the prominent 19th century American poet and conservationist.
Located in Cummington, and owned by the Trustees, the property is a National Historic Landmark.
Volunteer positions are also available at the Mission House in Stockbridge.
No experience is necessary and training is provided. For more information visit: thetrustees.org/volunteer, or contact tbeasley@thetrustees.org or call 532-1631 ext. 3119.
Ideas for this column on life in the Hilltowns can be sent to Fran Ryan at fryan.gazette@gmail.com.