Posted by Dennis Herrick on January 28, 2010 at 11:06:46:
This opportunity doesn't come up very often. Just think how much the town could have saved and how much more convenient the library would have been, if the town could have bought the property
next to Pollard School. Alas, the timing was off. Lets hope the voters approved this warrant article. But remember, the people want the property used for them, not for a new Police Station. That belongs at the "Park-and-Ride" lot on Westville Road near all the action on RT 125. And don't you dare sell property in our village to the State of NH for a Court House. We want a train station, farmers market and a conservation area. It's just what we need to re-establish the people's control of the center of town and put up a buffer to that hideous Testa property out back. Are you listening Planning Board? And since I brought up Testa. I thought the Board had requirements for Testa. Didn't they agree to some tree plantings to shield the neighbors from their ugly property or a berm or something. You all voted for Testa, where are they?
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Plaistow land purchase tops deliberative session agenda
By Eric Parry
eparry@eagletribune.com
PLAISTOW — Voters will review $667 million in warrant articles and a $7.2 million budget at Saturday's deliberative session.
The most expensive article, $315,000 to purchase a 29-acre historic farmhouse on Main Street, was added to the warrant earlier this week by selectmen. Voters have the chance to amend the articles before voting on them in March.
The property was foreclosed on about two weeks ago. Town officials said the mortgage company that owns the property has agreed to take it off the market so voters can decide at Town Meeting whether to raise the $315,392 for the purchase.
The property is in the village district near Town Hall and Pollard Elementary School. If the article is approved, the property would include a conservation easement on 27 acres and the historic farmhouse, barn and small pond on the other 2 acres.
"I think the property would be immediately placed on the National Register of Historic Places," Town Manager Sean Fitzgerald said.
But the selectmen still have a lot of questions about the proposed purchase.
Fitzgerald said the property offers many conservation, recreation and educational opportunities for the town.
The purchase would be costly.
The estimated tax impact would be $112 for the owner of a $300,000 home.
If voters approve the warrant article, it doesn't mean the town will definitely purchase the property.
"We'll exercise discretion and we'll make a thorough evaluation of the building and property," Fitzgerald said.
Other warrant articles include $25,000 for a feasibility study for a new fire and police station, $45,000 for an emergency generator at Town Hall, and proposals for capital reserve funds.
Appropriating $25,000 for a feasibility study is one of the first steps the town would need to take to replace a cramped police station that poses a variety of safety issues for officers and visitors. The study would provide detailed cost estimates and the size needed for a police station.
Saturday's deliberative session begins at 10 a.m. at Town Hall.