Panel keeps four options for old Town House
Other Committee · Meeting of April 1, 2026
Hampden committee finds residents split 50-50 on demolishing or preserving the old Town House, tax worries dominant. Of 181 valid survey responses, roughly 94 cited tax burden or affordability as their top concern, while community events and a rentable hall led desired future uses. The committee is organizing four options for the building's future — do nothing, keep and renovate, demolish, or sell or lease — ahead of a public forum tentatively planned for April 21 or 28 at 6:30 p.m.
Engineering estimates put immediate repairs near $4 million, complicated by ADA triggers on any renovation over $100,000. A resident named John told the committee "the seniors are not coming back" and "supported the fire station project," pushing back on a rumor that senior center advocates might petition to revisit the town's $8.3 million fire station funding vote.
In the full story:
- The complete report — 883 words
Source: the Other Committee meeting of April 1, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
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