Berlin To Vote On Berlin Lumber Purchase

Referendum Set For December 14
by Phillip M. Zema
On October 8, the Berlin Town Hall was filled to capacity, as town residents were eager to discuss the petition concerning the Berlin Lumber site. In accordance with the law, the Berlin Town Board chose December 14 as the date when residents will decide, via vote, whether the Town should purchase the property. Because of the petition, the vote will definitely occur, which is good because there is disagreement about the merits of purchasing the old Berlin Lumber Company site at Rt. 22. Ultimately, while there is division about whether the purchase is in the Town’s best interest, everyone in attendance agreed that the Town should take every measure necessary to ensure Berlin’s residents make an informed decision.
According to Berlin Town Law 81, if a petition contains at least 34 signatures, the issue the petition concerns must be voted on. The law states that between 60 and 75 days after the petition is filed, the Town must vote on the issue. On September 30, a petition with 101 signatures was given to Town Supervisor Robert Jaeger (an additional 20 were given to him at this meeting). The petition simply requested that the Town’s residents have an opportunity to vote on the proposal, and the Board decided that December 14 (the last day, by law, the issue can be voted on) would be the voting date.
The discussion at the meeting highlighted several advantages of relocating the Town Hall, Highway Garage, Town Offices and Meeting Hall to the old lumber yard on Route 22. The proposed site would provide Town officials and committees with the space necessary to fulfill their duties. Moreover, the new meeting hall would allow groups, such as the Town’s senior citizens and youth commission, to hold events simultaneously, without having to worry about space and time conflicts. The lumber yard would provide a central location for the Highway Department’s equipment, which, ideally, would help the Town save on renting and heating expenses. Morse Heating agreed, albeit only verbally, to provide the garage with a heating system thus helping the Town save on costs. Furthermore, some residents suggest the site could be used for soccer fields and/or a Town park.
In contrast, other residents and officials worried that the lumber yard would be a far from ideal investment. First, the costs of renovating the buildings up to municipal code could be formidably high. While renovation costs for the new meeting hall fall between $60-80,000, the new office building, highway garage, and warehouse building may need expensive repairs as well. Also, it is far from obvious that the Town would save on heating costs. The initial estimates have largely focused on heating the proposed office building and meeting hall, but have seemingly under-appreciated the costs of keeping the other buildings suitably warm. Ultimately, to address these concerns, Town Board Members suggested that more cost estimates be considered. Supervisor Jaeger was more than willing to comply with this demand.
Furthermore, while the Town has roughly $587,000 in its capital reserve fund, more than enough to purchase the property which has an asking price of $569,000, the buildings will inevitably demand maintenance costs. There is also the issue about what to do with the current Berlin Town buildings. Unless they can be sold or rented, the Town would be responsible for maintaining them. Moreover, while the new location could provide the Town with much needed space, it is unclear whether the Town will find enough uses for the property to cover the maintenance costs. Lastly, if the site is purchased, the Town and School District would no longer benefit from the tax income the property generates; a potential buyer would no longer be able to develop the property and employ local workers.
Berlin’s residents are divided on whether the lumber yard is a good investment. Everyone, however, agrees that the Town residents should be provided with as much information as possible. To address this need, Berlin’s Town Board and Supervisor will send out a letter to each eligible voter. The letter will highlight the pros and cons of the purchase, especially the facts and cost estimates underlying the issue. The Town is also hoping to schedule an open-house, which will allow residents to visit the site before the vote takes place. It should be emphasized that the Town Board is attempting to be open with the public and is willing to field any questions or concerns. They enthusiastically want each voter to make a well-informed decision.