10:07The meeting’s primary agenda was a examination of the former data center, now abandoned and in disrepair. Topology, a consultancy firm engaged to investigate the site, presented evidence of extensive damage and neglect. Their findings were based on site inspections, historical document analysis, and consultations with local authorities. Mark Linder and Phil Abramson, the representatives from Topology, provided an in-depth look at the current state of the property. They described the buildings as unsafe and dilapidated, with photographs showing missing emergency features, tripping hazards, and abandoned equipment left by the previous tenant.

08:13The investigation focused on two critical criteria for redevelopment: the substandard condition of the buildings and the discontinued use of the property as a data center. The site was found to have unwholesome living or working conditions due to structural alterations and the removal of essential infrastructure. The police department’s documented involvement with multiple incidents, including burglaries, underscored the site’s ongoing security issues despite a perimeter fence meant to deter criminal activity.

14:45The presentation by Abramson and Linder revealed that the building’s prior use had been definitively discontinued, with significant equipment like emergency generator fuel tanks and server cabinets removed. This abandonment was not merely a period of vacancy but a clear cessation of operations, supported by the termination of the tenant’s lease in March of the previous year. The building’s design, originally tailored for a data center, posed challenges for adaptive reuse. It lacked adequate parking and windows, and its large floor plates further limited alternative commercial applications.

20:21The board discussed the site’s potential future uses and the surrounding area’s zoning, which includes residential and institutional developments. There was consensus that the building’s location, bordered by wetlands, could impact redevelopment strategies. Despite the challenges, some members saw potential for industrial use, given the property’s unique characteristics and the broader needs of the area.

As the meeting progressed, the board members engaged in discussions about the building’s history and its original construction as a data center. One member noted its construction possibly dating back to the 1940s, reflecting its outdated infrastructure. The dialogue also touched on the potential for the property to accommodate industrial or warehouse operations, though the limited loading bay presented additional hurdles.

24:58After reviewing the evidence and discussing the site’s future, the board moved towards a decision. A motion was made to recognize the property as meeting the criteria for redevelopment based on its abandonment and substandard condition. This motion was quickly seconded. Following the vote, appreciation was expressed for the detailed presentation by Topology, and the meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn.