Board considers more options for former Primary School

WILTON — Selectmen on Tuesday tabled action on the fate of the former Primary School to give those interested in the property another chance to present their proposals.

Town Manager Rhonda Irish provided requested estimates for both demolition and public auction of the property, but selectmen agreed that neither option should be taken now.

The town doesn't have the nearly $50,000 needed to demolish the building. After hearing from a newly formed neighborhood group and a business owner near the school, the board wanted to continue hearing proposals before making a decision.

The School Street Neighborhood Association was designed to help the town develop the property, Richard Dupuis told the board. By establishing the group and attaining tax-exempt status, the group hopes to apply for grant funding for community-based, nonprofit associations.

The goals include preserving the character of the neighborhood, creating safe spaces for children, affecting the future of the old school and community development.

A core group of members includes Dupuis, David Nordstrom, Lynne Hunter, Tiff Maiuri, Lynn Ploof-Davis and Scott Shepard.

Mike Wells from W.S. Wells, located around the corner on High Street, suggested an idea for the company's use of the building for cold storage and production of a biofuel from locally grown vegetables.

Wells was encouraged to write a proposal and present it to the town manager.

Selectman Tom Saviello suggested that Wells consider renting the space for a year to ensure that the building was a good investment for the business.

The board also has a previous proposal on the table: to use the former Primary School building as an alternative school.

In light of these options, the board agreed to delay action until more ideas could be heard.

Estimates for demolition of the building, as suggested by residents, came in just under $50,000. One included asbestos removal and the other did not.

Adrian Harris submitted an estimate for an auction based on a 10 percent buyer premium as his commission, paid by the buyer, if the property sells.

The proposal included $2,500 to cover expenses, including advertising. The expenses would have to be covered by the town if the property did not sell.

abryant@sunjournal.com