Special counsel Andre and licensed professional planner Christine Bell presented a preliminary investigation report on Block 13, Lot 15. The report detailed the property’s decrease in assessed value and its vacancy since the departure of the last tenant. The building on the property was described as substandard and obsolescent, and concerns were raised about the defunct on-site sewage treatment plant and its compliance with state regulations. The council’s deliberation on the property considered its zoning, the potential for integrating affordable housing, and alignment with the state’s smart growth principles.

Debate among council members and public attendees ensued regarding the building’s condition, with one attendee remarking on the building’s good shape and appealing interior. However, the counterargument focused on the commercial market’s viability for the building. The discussion also encompassed the property’s history of tax appeals and its suitability for new development, considering the broader impact on the town, including local resources and the need for affordable housing.

The possibility of establishing a Continuing Care retirement community on the property was considered, raising questions about the potential strain on town resources. A comprehensive redevelopment agreement was emphasized as a necessity, with the council expressing the intention to maintain control and oversight throughout the redevelopment process. Public comments and a rigorous process were deemed critical before advancing any plans.