The session underscored the importance of determining the future use of the Pleasant Street Center, a building dating back to 1883 and listed on the Massachusetts Historic Registry and the National Register of Historic Places. The center’s appraisal value was noted to be just under a million dollars, with annual operating costs estimated at approximately $70,000. Given these figures, the council is considering several options, such as selling the property, gifting it to the housing authority for affordable housing development, or leasing it to either for-profit or non-profit organizations.

Jane Wellman and Katie Gabriel led the discussion on possible uses for the Pleasant Street Center. They presented examples from other towns where similar facilities have been repurposed successfully into venues like cafes or arts centers that support social integration and provide employment opportunities. The council also considered the potential for the center to become a cultural hub, emphasizing the community’s need for such a space, but raised concerns about the operational costs associated with this transformation.

A notable point of debate involved the decision between leasing versus selling the building. Some participants leaned towards leasing due to the flexibility and potential revenue benefits it might offer, while others emphasized the possibility of transforming the building into a housing project. The historical significance of the center was highlighted, suggesting that its preservation could unlock tax credits for adaptive reuse, particularly if gifted to the housing authority.

The discussion also addressed the complexities of leasing the property, including Massachusetts law’s competitive solicitation requirements when leasing or selling town properties, and the potential necessity of town meeting approval for certain decisions. The select board showed a preference for leasing rather than outright selling the building, recognizing its unique value and the community’s needs.

Concerns about existing infrastructure, such as heating, plumbing, and wiring, were raised as potential advantages for future development, with a suggestion to consider additional community facilities on the site. The conversation acknowledged the ongoing debate about the prudence of selling the building and the importance of community input in making the final decision. To this end, the council plans to compile feedback from various committees and conduct an online survey to broaden community engagement.

The council’s consideration of the Pleasant Street Center was not the only topic of interest during the meeting. The council also discussed modifications to the center’s lunch schedule in an effort to attract a more diverse group of attendees beyond the usual bingo participants. A recent lunch event under the new arrangement had 20 attendees, with expectations for increased attendance in the future.

In terms of community outreach, the delivery of sand buckets to homebound residents was highlighted as a successful initiative, although it was noted that the task fell on a single individual. The council expressed a desire for greater volunteer participation in such efforts. Similarly, there was an appeal for volunteers to support various center activities, from tending the gardens to assisting with a cornhole competition and bagged lunch distribution.

The meeting also touched on financial topics, including the Burbank Fund and its allocation for community needs. Concerns were raised about the specifics of past expenditures, prompting a commitment to investigate and ensure accurate financial record-keeping.

Additional topics included the establishment of a writing group to encourage storytelling among community members, though initial interest waned over compensation expectations. The council also discussed the Massachusetts Cultural Council grants, which secured nearly $2,925 for cultural programs, and addressed potential changes to the property tax worker program to widen volunteer eligibility.