GRAFTON – Town officials are trying to decide whether to fix the former fire station at 3 Worcester St.
The site is currently being used by the school department to house maintenance equipment.
On Tuesday, Sept. 5, School Superintendent Jay Cummings came before the Select Board with cost estimates for the renovation work, totaling $311,000.
Repointing is estimated to cost $118,000. The repointing of the building’s masonry is crucial to prevent water seepage, improve structural stability and maintain the overall aesthetic appeal.
The existing windows have deteriorated significantly, leading to energy inefficiencies and potential security concerns. Replacing the windows is estimated to cost $70,000.
The garage doors are showing signs of wear and tear, posing potential safety risks and affecting the building’s overall security. The school department is recommending an allocation of $28,000 to replace the garage doors.
RELATED CONTENT: Grafton ponders what to do about ‘nip’ bottles
Although there aren’t leaks or visible damage to the building’s roof, Cummings noted that the roof is old and should be either repaired or replaced. This work is estimated to cost $95,000.
Select Board member Ray Mead said he is in favor of the project, and he suggested getting estimates to renovate the driveway and parking lot.
Other board members supported the project, saying it would cost a lot more to construct a new building.
Several local business owners said they would like to see the parking lot fixed up so their customers could use it.
Craig Daupinais, who co-owns 2 Grafton Common, said he’d like to have a professional evaluate the site so that the town would have a better idea of potential expenses.
When asked about tearing down the building to create more parking, Mead replied that the project would yield “maybe 18 to 20” spaces.
According to Cummings, Town Administrator Evan Brassard is in the process of getting some estimates. The matter could come before the board in the near future.
It will not be part of the fall Town Meeting warrant.
“If the board opts to fix the building, those costs will most likely just be rolled into the annual capital improvement plan,” Cummings said.
