VIDEO: Historical Commission Opposes Bradstreet Idea
The one proposal to buy the building includes a plan to tear it down.
Videos
Kathleen Szyska, chair of the North Andover Historical Commission, attended Monday night's Board of Selecten meeting to see -- and respond to -- the presentation by the group proposing to tear down te Bradstreet School.
Szyska said the Commission strongly opposes the plan to demolish the building and construct new buildings with residential and retail space.
Things became a little tense when selectmen asked Szyska why no one spoke out at Town Meeting when the vote to approve selling the building was taken. Szyska said they didn't know demolishing the school was part of a potential deal. But the possibility of demolishing the building -- as well as discussion on whether or not to put a caveat forbidding demolition in any sale contract -- has been up for discussion since the topic of selling the school was first raised. and in every discussion about it leading up to Town Meeting.
The town would have to spend about $9 million to keep and renovate the existing building. Coalition For a Better Acre is proposing to tear down the school and construct apartments and retail mixed-use buildings. Of Coalition For a Better Acre kept the Bradstreet building up, representatives said, then retail space would not be feasible.
Selectmen will meet again to discuss the proposal and get feedback from the public.
Michael Quinlan
12:23 pm on Tuesday, February 12, 2013
The town in no way 'would have to spend about $9 million to keep and renovate the building'. Is this reporting?
Bryan McGonigle2
12:56 pm on Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Creating a new downtown and calling the existing downtown the "New Old Center" isn't as crazy as it sounds.
kathy Stevens
8:31 pm on Sunday, February 17, 2013
It would be sad to demolish this elegant historic building.
Stephen M. Roberts
1:44 pm on Monday, February 18, 2013
The town is populated with many folks who have no appreciation for the history of the Bradstreet School. To them the building is an eyesore. Many of the residents who attended that school have passed into the hereafter.
If the historical preservationists are going to be effective they have to educate the folks who pay the town's bills. They must "sell" the notion that this building is an important piece of the town's history... and generate support, financial and otherwise, for their cause. They cannot simply lobby for action by the selectmen that would place a financial burden on tax-paying residents. That shouldn't happen if the selectmen are worthy of the votes that put them in office. One may claim to have been a member of the Historical Commission for 28 years. But if one has not yet convinced the taxpayers that buildings like the Bradstreet School are worth preserving, the outcome should surprise no one.
Bryan McGonigle2
2:27 pm on Monday, February 18, 2013
It is extremely difficult to appreciate the building if you've never been in it.
And to discourage visitors, they have a fence around the property - for liability reasons.
Back in 2005, Dr. H. - whose name shall not be spoken - led the way to close the school to save money with promises that it could be reopened. I think that would have been the best time to save it ...
http://www.eagletribune.com/local/x1876367411/Bradstreet-School-destined-to-become-a-police-station?page=0