NORWAY – Selectmen agreed Thursday with Town Manager David Holt that they need to reach a consensus on what to do with the dilapidated Opera House and Gingerbread House, both on Main Street.

The large, 19th-century buildings are privately owned.

Holt told the board at its meeting that it’s time to take the “passion” out of discussions about the future of the landmarks.

“Somehow, some way the selectboard has to work through this great passionate difference of opinion and then do what’s best for the town,” Holt said. He suggested a town forum be held under the supervision of a noninvested facilitator.

The two downtown properties are under threat of being torn down or falling down if someone does not intercede with funds and a plan to rehabilitate them.

Selectman Bill Damon has offered to put up $200,000 toward saving the Opera House, but so far that offer has failed to drum up any other financial offers for help.

The 1855 Evans-Cummings House, known locally as the Gingerbread House, has been offered by its owner C’s Inc. to the town or Norway Historical Society under the provision that it move it off site, or have substantial plans to do so, by the end of the year.

The 1894 Opera House, considered the anchor of the downtown National Historic District and perhaps the most recognizable symbol of the town, is owned by Bitim Enterprises of New Hampshire. The company has failed to make repairs necessary to reopen it after the roof partially collapsed last year. Some officials have said they do not expect to see the building remain standing through the winter without repairs.

Bitim owner Barry Mazzaglia said he will have a construction crew on site within the next week or so, but has declined to say why.

The board is set to meet with the town attorney in early September to talk about the town’s legal options, including condemning the building.

Norway Downtown voted earlier this month to encourage the town to condemn the building.

“It’s our trademark, a benchmark,” Selectman Bruce Cook said. Although he said the majority of people speaking to him favor saving the Opera House, Cook said they have no idea how massive a project that would be.

“The town going alone isn’t the answer,” Holt said. The town could play a role in the renovations only in partnership with others, he said. “I don’t see the town biting off any of these issues alone.”

“There are some very strong and angry feelings,” Selectman Russ Newcomb said. “Some way we have to find a neutral ground and head for it.”