Hudson Select Board analyzing possible acquisition of Portuguese Club

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Hudson town iconHUDSON – The Hudson Select Board has begun to analyze a possible acquisition of the Hudson Portuguese Club, continuing discussions that had previously been ongoing, according to a recent statement.

The board is examining the prominent Portuguese Club facility with possible “strategic redevelopment for school and municipal use” in mind.

Discussions on this date back to last year, the town said, when the Club’s directors spoke with the Executive Assistant.

“Preliminary discussions…confirmed that there is interest to explore a possible deal that could be beneficial to both parties,” the town said.

More recently, the Select Board has held multiple executive session meetings discussing “the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real estate” of property at the Portuguese Club site, according to agendas.

The most recent of those meetings took place on Monday night.

The Board has since reportedly asked the Executive Assistant to supply “the information necessary to determine whether such a project is not only feasible financially but also aligns with the specific needs of municipal and school operations.”

The town’s statement noted that this analysis “will take some time,” adding that there will be opportunities for public comment if a decision to move forward is made.

“It is important to note that the Hudson Portuguese Club is not otherwise for sale,” the town noted. “The Club will continue to provide the same services to the community as it has for many years.”

Portuguese club boasts 100+ year history

The Portuguese Club traces its history back to 1919 when it was founded as the Hudson Sport Club, according to a historical account compiled by the late Jose M. Chaves.

That club merged with another group just three years later to form the “Clube Portugues de Hudson,” which remained at a new location on Main Street before moving to its current site on Port Street.

The club grew from there, serving as a hub for any number of events, programs and gatherings over the years. The club opened its new facilities in the early 2000s.

The site is also home to the Our Lady of Fatima Chapel, which was constructed in 1951 and rebuilt following a fire in the 1980s.

Altogether, the Portuguese Club hosts the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima on an annual basis, drawing attendees for a weekend-long event.

Representatives of the Portuguese Club were unavailable for comment as of publication.

UPDATE: This article has been updated with additional information on the Portuguese Club’s history, as detailed by the late Jose M. Chaves.

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