Springfield board ponders fate of Union Street building

Though the Springfield board of selectmen took no action on the question at its regular meeting on Monday evening, they do want to do something about the abandoned two-story duplex at 42-44 Union Street.



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Springfield board ponders fate of Union Street building By STEPHEN SEITZ Special to the Eagle Times 15 hrs ago SPRINGFIELD, Vt. — Though the Springfield board of selectmen took no action on the question at its regular meeting on Monday evening, they do want to do something about the abandoned two-story duplex at 42-44 Union Street. The property, which is directly across the street from the entrance to Union Street School, has been vacant for some time, and the town has an option to buy the property for $10,000. “The town has been pursuing this for several years now,” town manager Tom Yennerell told the board. “Fannie Mae owns the building, and there were several liens against the owner which have since been resolved. There have also been demolition orders to remove the garage and porch. Shall we consider demolition, or pursue another plan?” Select board member Stephanie Thompson asked if the house had been evaluated recently. Yennerall said it hadn’t but had some “minor roof leaks.” Richard Andrews, a member of the Union-Park Neighborhood Association, said the town should take another look. “I’ve mowed that lawn a few times,” he said. “I’ve found shingles in the grass. They’re falling off the roof.” Selectman Peter McGillivray said he’d like the house to stay on the tax rolls if at all possible. “I hate the thought of having another green grass lot which will never be sold,” he said. “”Habitat for Humanity might want to do something with it, or the students at the tech center could work on it as a learning experience. Maybe we could call in the Corrections Department. They’re allowed to do work for non-profits.” Laurie Claffee, president of the association, said her group would be happy to see the building flattened. “Of course, everyone’s delighted with demolition,” she said. “Maybe we could have a lottery so someone in the neighborhood could buy it.” The board gave Yennerell permission to go ahead with the purchase, which had been authorized at a previous board meeting. South Street sidewalk project approved Yennerell did have some good news for residents of South Street; the state Agency of Transportation has finally approved the design to replace the narrow and crumbling sidewalks. “We need an engineer on board so we can put the project out to bid in January,” he said. Yennerell described the meeting with the state as “productive.” The sidewalks will be widened to five feet, except for a few areas where it will be four and a half feet. Construction is expected to begin sometime in the next construction season.