East Spencer board to discuss future of Dunbar Center
Published 12:00 am Tuesday, September 1, 2015
By Shavonne Walker
shavonne.walker@salisburypost.com
EAST SPENCER — Members of the town board have been in talks for months about what to do about the Dunbar Center since a December fire left the building in ruins, and they will again discuss plans at today’s meeting. The board will meet at 6:30 p.m. at town hall, 105 S. Long St.
Since the Dec. 30 fire, which was intentionally set, the town has been exploring ways to help clean up and redevelop the property. The town consulted with state and local officials about options for the site, which the town does not own. The board made the decision earlier this year to seek a federal brownfields assessment grant. The grant program means the town could have the property assessed, which could lead to a clean-up and redevelopment of the historical property.
The board has met with Joe Morici of Cardno Associates, who will prepare the town’s application. He told the board at a previous meeting the town could conduct an assessment of the Dunbar Center without owning it, but cannot conduct a clean-up of the property without owning it. The company will work at no cost to the town, but will receive payment through grant reimbursement.