Shop local group updated on buildings

by Mark Dykes

During Friday’s Shop Local meeting, Economic Development Company (EDC) CEO and Main Street Board Member Amanda Moeller spoke with regard to the former Fair Deal Furniture building and two neighboring store fronts.

The properties have sat empty for a number of years, and while structurally sound for the most part there is plenty of junk and debris that needs to be cleaned up, water damage to address and a roof that needs replacing.

Moeller said there are two options regarding the building. The first, she noted, involves a party who has shown interest in the building but has some concerns. She further explained they have to look at everything involved, including back taxes, past certificates of purchase and any liens on the property from the bank or the town.

It was decided, Moeller said, to have a meeting with all of the players involved to get everything on the table to determine what they are working with. Moeller said the interested party is aware there is some definite work which needs to be done in cleaning up the property, and she suggested utilizing volunteers for that work. Providing a cleanup crew on the local level could be an incentive for a buyer.

Moving forward, Moeller said she hopes to have a definite answer from the interested party by the end of the summer.

There is also the possibility that the building could just be turned loose from the bank. Should that happen, there would have to be a determination as to what is best for the property. Moeller noted the building is not just something of an eyesore in itself, but it also has an impact on those neighboring businesses. One thing’s for sure, Moeller said, is it currently isn’t doing anyone any good.

A meeting is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. May 25 at the town hall to further discuss what could be done with the building.

A second option, Moeller said, is for Main Street to continue to entertain the possibility of taking on the building, though the group does not have the money to cover the fees involved with that.

Last Friday was the last Shop Local meeting for the next few months, as the decision was made to take the summer off unless issues arise that necessitate a meeting.