Standing Building Committee and negotiators say adjacent property offers swing space and long-term value

David DeMeo, chairman of Guilford’s standing building committee, told the meeting the principal question was whether the town should buy a piece of land being offered below market value because it could serve as valuable swing space for renovations or future projects. "If nothing ever comes of using the property for the town's use, it can be put back on the market at a market price above what the town is asking to pay for it," DeMeo said.

Land-acquisition chair Gary McKelney added the parcel’s size and location — 1.14 acres adjacent to the public safety campus, with access to key routes — made it uniquely useful compared with other downtown sites. Officials said the building on the lot is in good condition, has updated mechanicals and could be used immediately for office or storage functions while other town properties are renovated.