NORWAY – Despite the need to upgrade the town highway garage, the Board of Selectmen turned down an offer Thursday to buy David Everett’s three-bay garage and office at 19 Grove St. because the town doesn’t have the money.

“If it weren’t so darn expensive I’d like to see the town have it,” Selectman Bill Damon of the property that is listed online by Keller Williams Realty Mid Maine for $499,000.

The property has been on the market for the past several years and has been viewed by the board before for possible purchase. Everett approached Town Manager David Holt recently to see if there was any renewed interest in the commercial site.

Board Chairwoman Irene Millett, who toured the site with several other selectmen, said she was concerned about what the building would need to meet current building codes, including new sprinkler systems and new doors to meet the American With Disabilities Act.

“I’d be more delighted to see a new business move in there,” Selectman Russ Newcomb said. The site has a lot of good potential, but the town simply doesn’t have the money right now, he said.

The property has an office, sand shed and three-bay garage on two acres.

Holt said it is always difficult when the town comes into possession of an old building that must meet new building codes in order to be used. He used the example of the Herbert Roberts house on Danforth Street. The town acquired it but has been unable to renovate it for use because of the high costs.

The board is facing a possible repair or new roof on the highway department garage on Brown Street. Road Commissioner Ron Springer said there are several leaks in the roof that could cause serious problems down the road.

Springer and Holt are putting together information, including prices, to present to the Budget Committee.

ldixon@sunjournal.com