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Date: 9/20/2023
MONSON — The Monson Fire Department will utilize the House of Art as temporary housing during the upcoming fire station renovations before demolishing the building, the Monson Select Board decided during their most recent meeting on Sept. 12.
The request, which was brought forward by Fire Chief Brian Harris and Building Commissioner Justin Larivee, will save taxpayers an estimated $200,000 by eliminating the need to purchase temporary housing units for the Fire Department staff, Harris explained during the meeting. The close proximity of the House of Art, located on 202 Main St., will also allow the staff to have quick access to their equipment.
“The cost of those temporary units, like everything else, just has gone through the roof,” Harris said, stating that using 202 Main St. is not only cost-effective, but also the most accessible option for the department, as it is located in front of the station’s driveway.
Currently, the building is utilized by the Monson Arts Council for meetings and art shows, according to their website. However, the building is owned by the town of Monson and is not suitable for public use due to degradation, Larivee stated during the meeting.
“The status of the building is not great. It hasn’t really been maintained over the years,” Larivee said. “The town, I just don’t think, has the money to spend to keep that building up.”
While the Fire Department could utilize the building for housing without any changes, significant renovations would be required for the building to be used by the public. This could cost $300,000 or more, Larivee explained; significantly outweighing the estimated demolition cost of $40,000 to $50,000. Furthermore, the cost of demolition is already included in the Fire Department’s renovation budget, while renovating the House of Art would be an additional cost. Removing the building would also open up the space for other uses by the town, such as additional parking spots for the public, widening the Fire Department’s driveway, and creating an emergency vehicle lane. With the Select Board’s decision, the Arts Council will be required to vacate and relocate by Jan. 1, 2024. Although an alternate location for the House of Art was not chosen during the meeting, the Select Board did reaffirm their support for their work and multiple locations were suggested, including Memorial Hall and the Unitarian Universalist Parish of Monson. Construction on the Monson Fire Department is set to begin in spring 2024.
Parking regulations
The Select Board also discussed parking regulations along Main Street, noting that many signs are not legible from a distance or are unnecessary. After analyzing different options, the board ultimately decided to remove the no parking signs on the east side of Main Street between Bliss Street and Chicopee Brook.
They also decided to change the four non-handicap parking spots in front of Memorial Hall, as well as the spot in front of The Better Bean, to 15 minute parking between 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.. This was done to ensure parking for shows at Memorial Hall will not impact business at The Better Bean.