HOLDEN BOARD OF SELECTMEN
RICE SCHOOL MEETING MINUTES
OCTOBER 30, 2006
7:00 PM Memorial Hall
Present: Chairman David J. White, Kimberly N. Ferguson, Kenneth OBrien, Joseph G. Sullivan
Absent: James Jumonville
Others Present: Brian J. Bullock, Town Manager, Jacquie Kelly, Assistant Town Manager, Liz Helder, Recording Secretary
The Chairman opened the meeting at 7PM.
Rice School Public Comment
The Chairman provided a history of the towns ownership of the Rice School and the condominium proposal by the Ingram Development Corporation. He invited members of the public to come forward and address the Board.
Mrs. Louise Hugo, Highland Street, inquired about tax revenue generated from the condominium project. The Town Manager said that the value of the project is expected to be in the $4M range. This would generate approximately $50,000 in tax revenue per year. Mrs. Hugo inquired about a time frame for the development. The Manager said that demolition is anticipated to begin after the permitting phase from the Planning and Zoning Boards. Hazardous material removal will probably begin in early 2007.
Mr. Morrow, Woodland Road, inquired if the units would be owner occupied? The Manager said that the town would prefer that the units be sold individually rather than in blocks. However, once the units are sold, the town cannot control what the owner chooses to do with them.
Mrs. Joyce Godfrey, Woodland Road, said that she was pleased with the proposal and the inclusion of the historic portion of the building in the plans. There are paintings in the building that may have some value and may need to be salvaged. She inquired what would happen to the playground and ball field? The Manager said that the town would maintain the green space. Upgrades to those sections of the property will be negotiated with the developer.
Mr. Richard Godfrey, Woodland Road, said that the proposal meets many of the interestes of the neighbors and will continue to contribute to the quality of the neighborhood. He encouraged the Board to move forward with the project.
Ms. Susan Ceccacci, Causeway Street, commended the town on an excellent proposal that meets the requirements of the historic and parkland preservation. Open space will be appreciated in future years.
Public comment ended at 7:15 PM.
Board Discussion
Sel. Ferguson read an email from MaryAnn Brockelman. Ms. Brockelman said that the proposal is a win for the town and that the town should maintain ownership of the green space.
The Chairman said that he had received an email from Susan Marsh, Bascom Parkway, who spoke in support of the project.
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. Ferguson, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED THAT THE HOLDEN BOARD OF SELECTMEN DESIGNATE HERBERT G. INGRAM, PRESIDENT, REAL ESTATE COORDINATORS INC, 255 PARK AVENUE, SUITE 602, WORCESTER, D/B/A HOLDEN-RICE, LLC AS THE DESIGNATED DEVELOPER OF THE SITE KNOWN AS THE RICE SCHOOL.
Adjournment
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. Ferguson, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ADJOURN THE OCTOBER 30, 2006 MEETING AT 7:25 PM.
Approved: November 6, 2006
| 
