Space for Rent at Town Hall?

When First Selectman Richard Barlow asked for a philosophical discussion on some unused space at Town Hall, he got one.

The discussion was held during the Board of Selectmen’s March 16 meeting, and pertained to a 275-square-foot space over two small offices, space that is empty because of the consolidation of the region’s probate courts. Some selectmen think the town should consider renting out the space.

The town has no immediate need for the space, except potentially for storage, Chief Administrative Office Robert Skinner said. 

He said it could be needed in the future if the town adds a human resources or information technology position on its own or to share with the Board of Education.

The big question, Barlow said, is, “Are we ready to forgo that space and what kind of terms do you use?” 

There may be issues with an outside organization using the space, such as after-hours access and an inadequate barrier between it and finance offices on the third floor. A full wall does not surround that office, because of ventilation issues, Barlow said.

Some selectmen, however, said the town should seriously look at the costs of remedying the issues and the potential to bring in income by renting the space and possibly an open area around it.  

“I think you need to look at how much income it can bring to the town,” Marc E. Cerniglia said.

In fact, Cerniglia said the town should go as far as looking at other storage areas and spaces in town hall to see if there are would be further opportunities to generate income.  He said the town should not let the potential issues hold it back from getting rough cost ideas.

Others on the board were opposed to that idea of renting the space to a business.

“I’m really bothered by us looking at bringing in income from Town Hall,” Bruce Lockwood said.

Barlow was also uncomfortable with the idea of letting a business rent space in town hall, partially due to the perception it could create, especially if it were someone like a developer or a Realtor.

“That’s not a function of government, to be in the real estate business,” Barlow said.

Barlow and Lockwood leaned more toward the idea of potentially letting some type of non-profit use the space.

The two disagreed, however, when Barlow said some selectmen may have to take themselves out of future discussions on non-profits due to potential conflicts.

Lockwood, who has suggested Focus on Canton may be a good choice, should the town let someone use the space, acknowledged that his wife is connected with the organization, but said he is not. He also said he thought of the organization because it incorporates many non-profits, such as the Canton Food Bank and others, and is almost an extension of social services.

Chief Administrative Officer Robert Skinner said a similar argument for a wide range of services could be made for the Chamber of Commerce.

Barlow said his other concern is how to pick an organization to use it when there are so many in town. He also said the town may eventually need the space, which brings up issues when letting someone else use it. 

David Gilchrist Jr. said he realized there were issues, but said the town does need revenue.

“My preference is to get some income out of it, but I realize there are some problems,” he said.

Steve Roberto made a few alternate suggestions. He said the town should look into the possibility of moving offices in the basement of town hall up to the third floor. That would help with security, he said.  

Roberto also asked whether the town should consider space for Public Works administration needs, because the town is having trouble finding land for a new garage.

Gilchrist said he has suggested to the Permanent Municipal Building Committee that it look into splitting the Public Works Department into two buildings, since finding land large enough to house a new facility has been an ongoing struggle.

While some feel that’s not an ideal solution, Cerniglia called the idea of looking at town hall space for that use “a viable alternative.”

In the end, selectmen did agree to have Skinner look into some of the issues, including rough costs of the “build out” to expand the third-floor space and make it secure. Although some selectmen felt it was unnecessary and impractical, they also agreed to let Skinner at least explore the idea of storage, the cost of putting some at another location and whether additional space could be freed up.