Guilford to vote Sept. 15 on purchase of 370 Church Street next to public safety complex

Guilford officials are asking voters to consider buying a 1.14-acre parcel at 370 Church Street that sits next to the town’s public safety complex. The Board of Selectmen unanimously recommended the purchase and the Moderator said, "This proposed purchase will be voted upon at a town meeting on September 15," giving residents the final say on the buy.

Town negotiators presented the purchase as a strategic opportunity: land-acquisition chair Gary McKelney said the sellers had an earlier market evaluation near $2.2 million but agreed to hold the property while the town considered an offer and ultimately negotiated a lower price. The Moderator and staff told residents the town expects carrying costs (heating, electricity and other utilities) and that the purchase could be financed with short-term bond anticipation notes, long-term bonds or from town reserves. The Moderator noted the town charter gives voters a right to approve bonding for future construction tied to the site.

Officials emphasized that the town is not committing to specific renovations or a new police facility by making the purchase. "Anything we do beyond this purchase will require coming back to the voters with significantly detailed plans for our endeavor," the Moderator said. If voters reject the measure, officials said the property would likely be placed back on the market.