Voters Approve Sale of Main Street School
The not-for-profit Hope & Main will take ownership of the building.
The former Main Street School will soon belong to Hope & Main after voters approved the sale in a landslide Monday.
When polls closed on the Town Meeting vote at 9 p.m. Monday, it was clear voters gave the project overwhelming support, approving it 413-37.
Hope & Main is a not-for-profit venture that provides space where local chefs, food producers and nutrition professionals will be able to lease commercial kitchen space. A planned town market will provide ready access to locally produced food products, as well as provide a venue for local producers to introduce and showcase their products.
Hope & Main aims to serve the needs of food service professionals from caterers and specialty food producers to farmers and fishermen. In addition to the market and four large commercial kitchens and a rentable demonstration kitchen, plans include cold and dry storage, a rentable community space for events and seminars, and a business center to provide members with marketing and sales support. Find out more about Hope & Main here.
The town-wide vote, which was originally scheduled for last Monday but was postponed due to Hurricane Sandy, began at 9 a.m. and ran through 9 p.m. Monday.
The Hope & Main vote was just a warmup to Tuesday's general election. Polls are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday. Prepare your vote before you enter the polls by viewing all three ballots in Warren here.
no regr allia b
9:41 pm on Monday, November 5, 2012
Well not a fan of non-profits and against this at first as the plan seemed to vague. It now seems on track to be a great opportunity for warren and the tri-town area to have something that can help boost the taxbase through good jobs and training. Not to mention the help it will provide locally to get fresh food etc and help local growers.
On a side note, hope they do a web site for local recipes created at this. ;-}.
John Doe
10:18 pm on Monday, November 5, 2012
Well not a fan of non-profits too! I believe the school building and land is assess to low. If it goes for that price I could have purchase it and turn it into beautiful apartment or condo and add tax revenue for the town of warren. Non-profits is a loop hole that needs to go!!
no regr allia b
11:50 pm on Monday, November 5, 2012
Seem to remember they tried that and the bids for it were rediculous not to mention the tax breaks developers wanted. Well it still will be off the taxbase rolls, at least it will not be empty. At least it will help some people. Thats how I see it anyway.
b kcaj
9:02 am on Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Wow Jack-It's a miracle-you're actually in favor of a government project. Welcome to the 21st Century-Keep up the good work!
Frank J. Alfano
9:13 am on Tuesday, November 6, 2012
The plan is in good hands. The council, town manager and solicitor looked at all the options, thoroughly examined this venture, and made sure that the town is very well protected. This is an interesting opportunity that will require a great deal of effort, creativity and support.
Cathie Tattrie
11:22 am on Tuesday, November 6, 2012
While there are no property taxes, we will be collecting tangibles on the contents, which keep in mind, there is a good deal of equipment to make up the kitchens.