Community group seeks to buy Masonic Hall; Selectboard offers conditional letter of support

Kevin Hanlon told the Selectboard on Sept. 2 that a group of about 10 people is working to buy the Masonic Hall and convert it into a community center with a music focus and recording capability. Hanlon said the building would be owned by a community trust (registered with the state) and the group is pursuing 501(c)(3) status; he added the project "will not be asking the town for tax dollars to fund this project."

Hanlon described potential funding through a Village Trust Initiative earmark from Sen. Patrick Leahy's office that could provide up to $450,000 for renovation and technical assistance; he said the grant covers renovation but not acquisition, and the group plans to use a land banker and a capital campaign for purchase. After editing the requested letter of support to confirm the town would not provide taxpayer funding, Dennis Pike moved to approve the letter and appoint Chair Scott M. Reed to sign it. The motion passed 4–1, with Craig Hammer opposed.