[MassHistPres] Adaptive Reuse of Town-Owned Historic Buildings

[Diane Gilbert]

The Town of Dartmouth is at an important juncture in determining the future
viability of one of our historic buildings, formerly a school house and
until recently, a library branch.  This ca 1871 building is located in a 40C
district, Russells Mills Village.  The library trustees voted to transfer
this property back to the town since they determined that it was no longer
viable or affordable to support this branch and maintain the building.
Unfortunately, a story all too familiar to all of us. The Select Board has
formed a committee to look at potential uses for this significant building.

With a variety of options on the table, there is an understandable
reluctance to simply putting this property on the market, selling it to the
highest bidder who may not share our views that the highest and best use of
this property is to retain the special character of this building, inside
and out.  By virtue of the lot size, Title V considerations, nearby
wetlands, and the 40C district, there are certain limitations for its future
use.  Since this property is owned by the town and in a 40C district, we can
derive some comfort that the building is not endangered unless we really
screw things up, to be candid.  The Russells Mills Village community and
many others in town expect town officials to do the right thing by this
building. 

My questions is this:  Assuming that others have faced this situation, did
you follow a process that involved an RFP [according to 30B and AG
guidelines, of course] that included preservation and conservation criteria
as well as clear requirements that would honor and respect the historic
integrity of the property in perpetuity?

Thanks in advance for your ideas and words of wisdom.  Feel free me to email
me directly as well should you have documents to share as attachments.

Best Regards,
Diane M. Gilbert
Dartmouth Selectwoman
       & 
President, Dartmouth Heritage Preservation Trust