Bradford Masonic Building Committee Discusses Potential Sale and Parking Development

The Masonic Building Committee met at the Bradford Area Community Center on October 11, 2023. Attendees included Kris Foss, Mel Pfeifle, Pat Moreland, Bryan Nowell, Anne Kratz, and Bruce Gezelman. Tracey Quigley was absent. The committee considered a proposal from an auction company to sell the Masonic Building and its contents. The company recommended a group auction with other town properties for cost-effectiveness and offered a lower commission rate for the town.

The committee examined the building's assets, including valuable antique windows. They suggested identifying items of historical significance before starting the auction. The possibility of finding buyers for the building, with the sale dependent on the Town Meeting vote, was also discussed.

The potential for creating parking spots through the building's removal was considered. The proposal included 11 spots, with the possibility of double parking or additional spots by enhancing the retaining wall. These spots would be for Fire personnel only due to safety reasons. The committee also touched on the right of way issue, but the specifics with the state and landowner remain unclear.

The committee intends to present their findings to the Select Board on October 23rd. Members were urged to attend. A proposal was made to use a slideshow at the Town Meeting to explain the committee's conclusions and recommendations. The committee also deliberated on when their commitment should conclude, possibly after the Town Meeting presentation.

The meeting ended with a discussion on project funding and modifications to the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). The CIP was revised to $5,000 biennially instead of annually. The meeting adjourned at 7:03pm.

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