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Date: 9/26/2023
PALMER — Tim Widman of EDM Architects outlined potential reuses of the former Converse Middle School at 24 Converse St. The building lends itself to a wide range of uses, including a new senior center.
Widman appeared at the Town Council’s Sept. 18 session.
The assessment revealed that although the school’s structure was intact, it would require significant renovations. Essential upgrades include the installation of sprinklers and fire partitions to align with current safety codes.
A sprinkler system aligning with updated state safety codes would cost $1 million. Mitigating the site would cost $400,000 to $600,000.
Furthermore, the renovations would entail bathroom updates, enhanced accessibility and potential replacements for the roof, windows and exterior wall in due course. Widman estimated a full-scale rehab at $14 million.
Widman said the building has many options, including a new senior center. For example, 67 affordable housing units would be over $30 million.
Council members asked if state grants were available to lower costs or be used for a housing project.
Council President Barbara A. Barry said developers could apply for affordable housing grant programs over several years. She felt the council had done its due diligence, including community meetings, on what to do with Converse Middle School.
She did “not want to go down the path” of other communities stuck with a mothballed building.
Councilor Jessica Sizer noted that developers converted shuttered schools into affordable or senior housing in Auburn, Webster and Southbridge, with builders tapping into grants to make the projects attractive.
Councilor Robert Lavoie said, “It was time to move on,” and the council must decide on the building, whether to raze, sell, or develop as the town continues to pour money into it.
Town Administrator Ryan McNutt said he had examined several routes. He told the council that he could release a request for proposal to attract potential developers within days. Barry wants to review the RFP at an upcoming meeting to ensure any bids benefit Palmer.
Like five years ago, Lavoie feared the bidding process would yield no results. McNutt was confident the newest RFP round would attract a few proposals.
As part of the process, Councilor Matthew Lemieux said he wants to consider residents’ concerns.
Barry said if the property were sold at fair market value, she suggested using some of the proceeds to support an ongoing basketball program hosted at the Converse School.
She opposed eliminating playing fields at the school, where the town has made significant investments.
She wanted, however, to have a few restrictions placed on the RFP, which could deter bidders.
Thorndike Grammar proposals
McNutt said several developers are interested in Thorndike Grammar at 4023 Main St. He met with the interested parties and reviewed their plans.
While he described that not all the proposals were “far-fetched,” a formal proposal process would yield legitimate offers, primarily for housing. Like the Converse School discussion, Barry was unwilling to part with Thorndike Grammar for $1.
“They should offer a price they’re willing to pay because I’m very concerned that someone is going to buy the property and not develop it, and it’s going to sit there and deteriorate,” Barry said.
McNutt added that he would need a property appraisal before releasing any RFP. The council permitted McNutt to get an assessment. He expected two appraisals in hand by the council’s next session.
Community Development Block Grant
The Town Council accepted a $1.35 million federal Community Development Block Grant in August. The grant will support design and infrastructure improvements along Maple Street. A second round of repairs entails updating the sewer and waterlines on Maple Terrace.
The overall road construction estimate on Maple Street is $995,000. The remaining grant will support domestic violence and social services programs and general administrative costs.
Cannabis zone change
The Town Council held a first reading on an ordinance that would raise the number of cannabis retailers from three to four cannabis retail sites. The reading was a crucial step before the council held a final vote.
Green Gold Group Inc. proposes a shop at 1140 Thorndike St. The company pitched the initial plan during a community meeting in October 2022. The company also owns a 150,000-square-foot growing, cultivation and processing facility in North Brookfield.
The zone change was submitted to “improve the economic and community benefits to the town of Palmer” by allowing a fourth cannabis retailer. The Planning Board, 3-2, recommended amending the ordinance.
The petitioner noted the zone change would add jobs, increase the tax base, and boost community host impact funds. A fourth marijuana retailer would be an additional 3% optional sales tax for Palmer.