Task force suggests long-term leases: Framingham group says lengthy deals on town owned buildings may be cost effective

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Task force suggests long-term leases: Framingham group says
lengthy deals on town owned buildings may be cost effective Thursday, December 30, 2004

David McLaughlin 508-626-4338 Metrowest Daily News

FRAMINGHAM -- The town could escape costly building renovations and even make some money by negotiating long-term leases for several town-owned buildings, according to a new study.
The task force on town-owned buildings has recommended to selectmen the town hammer out leases for seven properties that are "in a state of disrepair" and require extensive capital improvements, according to the report.
The task force, which will present its report to selectmen next month, is calling for 50-year deals for the Maynard Office Building and the Hollis Street Community Center, which houses the Boys & Girls Club.
It has recommended leases of no less than 50 years for the Old Edgell Library, the Academy Building -- both used by the Historical Society -- Village Hall, Athenaeum Hall in Saxonville and the Danforth Museum.
Bill Haberman, the task force's chairman, said current tenants want long-term agreements, which would help them secure grants for the renovations.
"Everybody has pretty much said, 'Yes, this is what we'd like to do.' All of it has been agreed to with the exception that we have to go through the legal processes," said Haberman, who cautioned selectmen have the final say over any leases.
The town is giving away most of the buildings under the current leases. Village Hall, Old Edgell Library and the Academy Building are rented for $1 a year, according to Assistant Town Manager Mark Purple. In the Danforth Building, the Danforth Museum and the Performing Arts Center of MetroWest only pay for a share of heating costs.
Jim Barry, president of the Friends of Saxonville, had not read the task force's recommendations, but said the group would be interested in leasing Athenaeum Hall for at least 50 years if the town puts up money for repairs so the building can be occupied. The hall does not have a certificate of occupancy because of structural deficiencies.
The task force, according to its report, has talked with the Friends of Saxonville about loaning the group $200,000 for the repairs that would then be paid back to the town during the lease period.
"If that's something other members of the association have discussed that would be fine," Barry said about paying the money back. "But the important thing is to have the money up front."
The Boys & Girls Club, according to the task force's report, is interested in moving out of its Hollis Street location and renting the gym in the Danforth Building.
If that deal can be worked out, the task force recommends the town issue requests for proposals for the Hollis Street Community Center as well as the Maynard Office Building. The other leases, according to the report, would likely have to go out to bid.

Task force suggests long-term leases: Framingham group says lengthy deals on town owned buildings may be cost effective	Thursday, December 30, 2004
David McLaughlin 508-626-4338	Metrowest Daily News
FRAMINGHAM -- The town could escape costly building renovations and even make some money by negotiating long-term leases for several town-owned buildings, according to a new study. The task force on town-owned buildings has recommended to selectmen the town hammer out leases for seven properties that are "in a state of disrepair" and require extensive capital improvements, according to the report. The task force, which will present its report to selectmen next month, is calling for 50-year deals for the Maynard Office Building and the Hollis Street Community Center, which houses the Boys & Girls Club. It has recommended leases of no less than 50 years for the Old Edgell Library, the Academy Building -- both used by the Historical Society -- Village Hall, Athenaeum Hall in Saxonville and the Danforth Museum. Bill Haberman, the task force's chairman, said current tenants want long-term agreements, which would help them secure grants for the renovations. "Everybody has pretty much said, 'Yes, this is what we'd like to do.' All of it has been agreed to with the exception that we have to go through the legal processes," said Haberman, who cautioned selectmen have the final say over any leases. The town is giving away most of the buildings under the current leases. Village Hall, Old Edgell Library and the Academy Building are rented for $1 a year, according to Assistant Town Manager Mark Purple. In the Danforth Building, the Danforth Museum and the Performing Arts Center of MetroWest only pay for a share of heating costs. Jim Barry, president of the Friends of Saxonville, had not read the task force's recommendations, but said the group would be interested in leasing Athenaeum Hall for at least 50 years if the town puts up money for repairs so the building can be occupied. The hall does not have a certificate of occupancy because of structural deficiencies. The task force, according to its report, has talked with the Friends of Saxonville about loaning the group $200,000 for the repairs that would then be paid back to the town during the lease period. "If that's something other members of the association have discussed that would be fine," Barry said about paying the money back. "But the important thing is to have the money up front." The Boys & Girls Club, according to the task force's report, is interested in moving out of its Hollis Street location and renting the gym in the Danforth Building. If that deal can be worked out, the task force recommends the town issue requests for proposals for the Hollis Street Community Center as well as the Maynard Office Building. The other leases, according to the report, would likely have to go out to bid.

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