Select Board seeking Town Meeting approval to sell old police station

May 8, 2024

It’s on the warrant again. 

Once more, the old police station, located at 247 Russells Mills Road, has made its way onto the agenda for Town Meeting members to vote on. 

This time, the Select Board is seeking permission to sell the property that was abandoned in 2014 after legionella bacteria, which can cause a severe type of pneumonia known as Legionnaires’ disease, was discovered in the plumbing.

Select Board member David Tatelbaum said this authorization would give the board “the ability to be flexible and to be sensible and to put together a package that makes sense.”

He added, “We don't have to sell if it doesn't meet all the standards we create and I look forward to crafting something that makes sense and pleases everyone.”

On March 4, the Town contracted a company to perform an appraisal of the old police station. The appraisal will include a site evaluation and market assessment to determine the property’s value. Ultimately, Town Meeting would have the final say on whether or not to place the police station on the market at its assessed value. 

The appraisal will be completed by the end of May, according to Town Administrator Shawn MacInnes.