WHATELY — Following an unanswered request for proposals (RFP), discussions around the 113-year-old Center School will continue, as the town considers the best future for the unused building.
At last week’s Select Board meeting, the board and residents discussed the 1½-story, 6,183-square-foot building on Chestnut Plain Road. The former Center School was the subject of an RFP that sought a long-term renter who would redevelop it at a reduced rent. With no bites on the RFP, the town is now discussing the next move.
Historical Commission Chair Donna Wiley, who noted she was not at last week’s meeting on behalf of the commission, said the town’s best option may be to sell the property with a historical preservation restriction, so the building may be reused and put back on the tax rolls while still being preserved as a town centerpiece.
“The Historical Commission is ready to help,” Wiley said. “I would encourage the Selectboard to allow some time so we can think about whether we can issue a new RFP with sale of the property as the desired outcome and have our sticks and carrots in place to ensure it remains the Center School, that the exterior remains.”
She noted the process of encouraging redevelopment — while also ensuring historical preservation — is lengthy and it’s better to take time and get it right.
“Sunderland wrung its hands over its old Town Hall for 10 years,” Wiley said of what is now the Blue Heron restaurant. She added she isn’t advocating for a 10-year delay, but was just providing context on what Whately’s neighbors have done.
Wiley, along with the Select Board and Town Administrator Brian Domina, said the long-term lease component of the RFP likely dissuaded people from submitting proposals.
“I agree very much with Donna’s request that we put a pin in it and look at a variety of options,” said Select Board member Julianna Waggoner. “I do think that looking for a long-term lessor was essentially asking, ‘Please take our money pit.’”
Fellow Select Board member Fred Baron said the RFP was a “shot in the dark” that was worth a try. He encouraged residents, business owners and the community at large to share ideas for reuse of the property.
Center School Visioning Committee and Planning Board member Judy Markland suggested housing might be the best possible project for the town because there are always numerous state grants available.
“The new Healey administration is pushing affordable housing and housing in general. My guess is in the next six to 12 months, there will be a zillion grant opportunities for housing,” Markland said. “I second the recommendation to take this slowly right now.”
Wiley said the Historical Commission is meeting Monday and the Center School is on its agenda. She said she’s willing to return to a future Selectboard meeting to discuss the commission’s thoughts and recommendations.
“We’d be open to any recommendations for next action steps,” Baron said. “And we’re still open to any ideas from the public.”
Chris Larabee can be reached at clarabee@recorder.com or 413-930-4081.