MEXICO — Selectmen Wednesday set a special workshop to discuss the options for the future of the former SAD 43 central office.
They also tabled any action on the possible purchase of the former Knights of Pythias Hall located adjacent to the town office.
The property issues came up as a result of the former Pythias Hall being put on the real estate market, and the acceptance of the former central office by townspeople earlier this month. The former SAD 43 central office is located adjacent to and on the same parcel as the Mexico Recreation Center.
Town Manager John Madigan had suggested that the board look into acquiring the former hall so that the town would own all adjacent parcels as a step toward possibly selling the property, then moving to the former district office.
“That property is right in the commercial downtown area and could be valuable,” Madigan said.
However, selectmen, and some residents, believe the town already owns a sufficient number of properties.
“Commercial properties aren’t selling well now,” said Selectman George Byam. “If we move up there (the former school central office) and this building is available, then we could sell the whole package.”
“The town already owns enough properties, the town has enough liabilities,” said resident Randy Canwell. “If someone buys it, we’ll get taxes.”
The building is listed at $89,900, a price that Chairman Barbara Laramee believes is too high.
However, real estate agent Wesley Raynor outlined a number of other commercial district buildings currently for sale, most of which were as high or higher than the former hall.
A workshop meeting to discuss the former central office was set for 5 p.m., July 22. At that time, the board will discuss various options for use of the circa 1960, two-story, former classroom building.
Once selectmen have met, a public informational meeting to gather comments and ideas from residents will likely be held, said Laramee.
In other matters, the board changed the regular meeting days from the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month to the first and third Wednesdays, beginning with the Aug. 19 board meeting. The change will allow selectmen to attend other municipally-related meetings.
All meetings will begin at 6:30 p.m. and will be held in the town hall.

eadams@sunjournal.com

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