Freetown Moves to Sell Blighted Four Corners Building, Pursues Bridge Grant

FREETOWN — March 20, 2023 — Freetown Select Board votes to sell deteriorating four-corners landmark and pursue a $1.5 million federal bridge grant. The board voted unanimously Monday to issue a request for proposals for the town-owned building at 4 South Main Street, which inspectors say has two feet of standing water inside and roughly 80 percent interior deterioration after 30 years of vacancy; any sale will carry a preservation restriction on the building's exterior. Historical Commission representative Mary Brown urged the RFP approach, saying it gives the town control over what a buyer will do with the property and avoids a costly demolition. Town Administrator Debbie Pettey also disclosed she had applied for a $1.5 million congressional earmark from Representative Auchincloss's office toward a $2.5 million overlay of the South Main Street Bridge, received a request for further information days before the meeting, and secured letters of support from state Representatives Schmitt and Fiola and the regional planning district. The board also voted unanimously to establish a Council on Aging revolving fund for senior programming — amount to be set after budget review — and accepted a $750 Earth Day donation from Copart.