Area groups interested in Ludlow Armory barn
Toolbox
By Josh O'Gorman STAFF WRITER - Published: September 15, 2009
LUDLOW — Two local nonprofit organizations that wish to occupy the tank barn on the armory property would be able to pay their own way.
During an Armory Committee meeting last week, representatives from Black River Good Neighbor Services and LPCTV said they could afford to pay rent that would cover the principal and interest for the cost of renovating the tank barn.
The committee is looking to bring a $1.2 million bond to voters sometime in late fall to renovate the Ludlow Armory and the adjacent tank barn building. While about $760,000 is for the armory, it is the $331,300 for the tank barn that's caused concern for the Committee and some members of the public.
"The committee thinks it's a good idea for LPCTV and Black River Neighbors to go in there, but the concern is the long-term cost to the taxpayers," said Committee Chairman John Neal.
Black River Good Neighbor Services Vice President Peter LaBelle first outlined his group's work, which included distributing $135,000 in food and about $15,000 in rent and utility assistance in 2008 to residents of Cavendish, Ludlow, Mount Holly and Plymouth.
Since 1995, BRGNS has owned the building where they are located on Main Street, but that building lacks retail space, has inadequate parking and lacks a private space for people who come seeking assistance, LaBelle said.
Director Kevin Kuntz said they could sell the building, which is valued at $280,000 but would likely sell for around $200,000. With money from the sale and the $40,000 in BRGNS' capital fund, they could afford to pay rent equal to two-thirds of the cost of the tank barn renovation, he said.
BRGNS would pay two-thirds because they would occupy two-thirds of the building and LPCTV would occupy the remaining one third.
Kuntz said BRGNS could go forward with the plan even if the building did not sell immediately.
LPCTV Executive Director Patrick Cody said his organization would be able to pay one-third of the cost of the renovations. Based upon preliminary numbers, Cody said, the cost to move into the tank barn would be less than LPCTV's current operating expenses.
Cody will make a more detailed presentation at the next Armory Committee meeting at 4 p.m. Thursday at Town Hall.
josh.ogorman@rutlandherald.com
20