Lets WAIT FOR COLLAPSE, or avoid it with a NEW TAJ MAHALL!

The Selectmen prevented any discussion on the Town Hall alteration and addition Vs. New construction debate. In spite of the agenda item noting, "Town Hall Repairs Finance Plan" and not the New building proposal, they proceeded to then discuss the New Building Finance plan. The Attorney General has very restrictive agenda descriptions, and therefore what can reasonably be discussible under it! The selectmen and their ever present attorney, the manager, felt they could avoid any discussion problem issue per the agenda wording! And continued!

To them, there are no options but the architects oversize addition and alteration plan. Let’s not forget that they managed to produce a plan with 4000 sq. feet of additional unnecessary space for the addition, which elevated the cost to nearly their estimate for the new construction. If one is offered a new car, or an equal year used car at the same price, what would the choice be? We certainly understand human nature, but when one Selectman is quoted as saying "It’s not a building you can renovate, ..." one must take a stand, especially when the dollar difference is some $3 million! There is also the fact that the architect provided an alteration and addition plan as feasible! And several locals, construction field professionals refute his statement as well. Moreover many old public buildings with similar problems have been renovated, The Igo, Ahearne, Roby Hill, Lewis, and even the 100 odd year old State Hospital Buildings, have all been renovated!.

And why has NO maintenance been accomplished on this building by the Manager, who by the Charter is solely responsible for this activity. He appears more concerned with helping it deteriorate or collapse, than the maintaining! We own back-hoes and trucks; personnel familiar with drainage piping. Why hasn’t the drainage been fixed. Why does the manager remind everyone, that if it rains, they can observe water coming down in the secretaries office next door! If your house roof leaked, you would get it repaired!, and not wait for a new replacement. Work is needed, repair, and/or alteration at a reasonable cost; not a new building at $3 million more!