Downtown Development Commission: Quabaug parleys taking a time out

By Ruth M. Lyon

Turley Publications Reporter

NORTH BROOKFIELD – Members of the Downtown Development Commission met with selectmen Tuesday to provide a progress report on that committee’s activity in recent months. James Foyle, the moving force behind the reclamation of the former Aztec Asbestos property, and member David Harris told the board “We are currently at an impasse in our conversation with Quabaug Rubber Company.

Quabaug Corporation, the town’s largest employer, is located on School Street; its property is adjacent to the lot under mandate for cleanup by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The company, in the aftermath of the cleanup of the site where the police station is now located, had evinced interest in a possible long-term lease of all or some of the former Aztec property. The Downtown Development Commission has, since the groundbreaking for the police station, been meeting with Quabaug officials to discuss the possibility of a lease or sale. Quabaug has mentioned, NBDDC officials say, the possibility of utilizing the space for parking, possibly a building and even a small retail store.

In the meantime, according to Foyle, the commission has maintained a dialogue with the EPA; in fact, Foyle said, EPA officials had met with him at the site on Monday.

According to Harris, Quabaug’s interest in long-term leasing the property has been tempered by the issue of liability; the company’s legal counsel had suggested that the company only lease the property under a single-purpose Limited Liability Corporation.

This, Harris said, would not be a sensible course for the town, offering the town no recourse, “so we’re at an impasse; let’s just call it a time out or a cooling off period. We’re not closing any doors.”

Foyle, recounting his meeting Monday with EPA officials, said “There’s a positive side to this. We have funds in the remediation account. We’re in a good position. The police moved into their new building today; a sidewalk is in the works; that could provide a buffer zone. What we now have to offer could attract other potential buyers and businesses. Let’s look on the bright side here; this might be the situation that breaks the ice with other interested parties.”

Both men stated that negotiations with Quabaug in the future are in fact a possibility, “but for now, our recommendation is not to pursue that prospect for now.”

The selectmen thanked the commissioners for the update, selectmen Mary Walter saying,

“we’ve followed this closely; we’re staying aware and are interested in what’s going on.”

Highway Superintendent Gary Jean affirmed that plans for a sidewalk at the site are underway. “There are three bids out now,” he said.

In other business, the board:

· Postponed the designation of a purchasing agent for the inter-municipal group.

· Accepted highway superintendent Gary Jean’s list of private roads for snow and ice removal and temporary maintenance and repairs for fiscal year 2010 as Hunt Road, Hillcrest Street, Lakeview Road, Park Street, Pine Road, Pinecroft Avenue, Point Road, River Road, Sandy Drive, Sunset Drive, Sylvania Grove, and Woodland Avenue.

· Discussed with board of health chairman John Alphin a contract for solid waste hauling with Casella Waste Hauling and approved the contract.

· Made annual appointments to town offices, boards, and commissions.

· Approved a request for a pole relocation from 29 Smith Hanson Road

· Approved a request for a $1,000 transfer within board of health accounts.

· Reminded dog owner that dog licenses are now overdue.

· Announced that the board’s summer hours are now in effect. The board will hold regular meetings on alternate Tuesday evenings, the next one being July 6 at 7 p.m. at the senior center. On alternate weeks, one board member will be at the senior center from 7 - 8 p.m. to meet with anyone who wishes to stop by with a question or concern.