Hampden panel narrows old town hall options to eight
Other Committee · Meeting of April 8, 2026
Hampden's Old Town House Committee reviewed eight options for the town's former town hall, from continued town ownership to an outright sale, ahead of an April 24 public forum. Committee member Tom's plan would keep the building in town hands, while a new option tied to member Paul proposes a sale-leaseback deal in which a developer would renovate the building and lease it back to the town long-term, potentially freeing money for a planned fire station. A 2023 estimate put renovation costs at $8.4 million to $8.8 million to meet ADA requirements; members said the figure has likely grown by more than $1 million since.
Town counsel billed $50,000, plus a prior $7,000, to confirm no deed restriction blocks a sale, though a title examiner would still be needed. Resident Rita urged the committee to pursue funding through Preservation Massachusetts and the Community Preservation Coalition.
In the full story:
- The complete report — 765 words
Source: the Other Committee meeting of April 8, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
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