Town Closer to Purchasing Land Adjacent to Sharon High School

After about 12 months of discussions, 175 Pond Street is a bit closer to becoming town-owned property.

According to selectmen chairman Bill Heitin, who spoke at the Sept. 3 meeting of the Sharon School Committee, the town recently finalized negotiations with the owner of the property, a Sharon native, and produced a draft of the purchase-sale agreement.

“The thought process was when property like this comes available to the town, since the town does not have a lot of municipal or school land available, you should always consider the opportunity to buy something,” Heitin said.

The purchased price will be $317,000 and will be paid with capital funds. An addition $10,000 will be needed for the demolition and cleanup of the multi-family dwelling that currently sits on the land.

Adjacent to the high school, the town and the school committee expressed interest in the property after it was known that the owner was looking to sell. The potential expansion of the high school down the road also played a role in the purchase.

“It’s clear that a significant amount of money is going to have to be spent on the high school in the next decade but it’s striking to me how much it seems like having this property increased our option and our ability to think about whatever we do with the high school,” committee vice-chair Emily Smith-Lee said.

The possible purchase also received the endorsement of Superintendent Timothy Farmer.

It seems it’s not very often when an opportunity comes to the forefront. If the purchase is made I think it opens new opportunities,” Farmer said. “There’s more that we can discuses once we know that property is available. In the long term, that property can only benefit us.”

A vote at a town meeting will be needed for the town to buy the property since it will be paid for with capital funds. It is unknown if there will be a Special Town Meeting in November, with Heitin saying that he would ask the owner if he would be willing to delay the sale to May. If a delay if not possible, Heitin said the selectmen are open to holding a small meeting with four or five articles.

The school committee is expected to vote in support of the purchase at their next meet on Sep. 17.