Whitman voters asked to buy old church for senior center

Officials think Monday’s Town Meeting vote on a $1.5 million debt exclusion, to cover the purchase and conversion of the historic First Baptist Church into a senior center, could go either way.

If the proposal passes, a ballot vote will be scheduled for next month.

The purchase price for the church is $425,000, which sounds like a good deal since the property is assessed at just under $800,000. But it will take $1 million or more to renovate and convert the 11,000-square-foot building into a senior center, with some municipal offices and meeting rooms on an upper floor.

“I’ve heard people saying we need to save an important building in the center of town, and others saying it is inherently risky to renovate an old building,’’ said Town Administrator Frank Lynam last week. “Both arguments have merit.’’

Lynam said the church has been examined by an architect, a mechanical engineer, and an asbestos company.

“And there are a significant number of things that would need to be done,’’ he said. “It needs some structural support, a sprinkler system, an elevator, and other repairs. The initial estimate was $1.5 million, but those numbers are still being adjusted.’’

Whitman Council on Aging director Pat McCarthy said seniors are excited about the possibility of a new center. The town currently uses a small, 20-year-old building that no longer suits the needs of its 2,000 elderly.

“I’ve been hearing tremendous support for the project,’’ McCarthy said. “I feel like this fell right out of the sky for us. And for the taxpayers, it will only mean $30 to $40 a year for 10 years.’’

McCarthy said an earlier proposal to convert a former armory into a senior center carried a $5 million price tag. This new plan is far more affordable.

“This project is important and it will become more important every year,’’ she said. “The state estimates the senior population will grow by 243 percent during the next 10 years.’’

Historical Commission member June O’Leary said even though economic times are tough, she will urge Town Meeting voters to dig into their pockets for the church purchase and renovation.

“I would hate to be in a position where we kick ourselves later,’’ she said. “Unfortunately, this town has not preserved its history, so all that’s left is a bunch of rocks marking our historic places.’’

The First Baptist Church on Washington Street was built in 1822, but has been renovated and expanded a number of times over the years. The church closed at the end of June as its congregation aged and declined in number. The property was then put up for sale.

Selectmen chairman Carl Kowalski took a tour of the church last month with other local leaders. Early on, officials were excited about the church’s potential.

“I didn’t hear any negatives,’’ Kowalski said. “This is an important building to the town with a lot of potential uses.’’

The chairman said that, since the tour, enthusiasm has been somewhat dampened by reports of possible asbestos and other challenges that could drive up renovation costs.

“What if it’s more like $2 million?’’ Kowalski said.

At their last meeting, selectmen voted unanimously to place the decision in the hands of the taxpayers. Board members have not voted on whether they will recommend that Town Meeting approve the tax increase necessary for the project.

The Finance Committee, meanwhile, voted to recommend against the church’s purchase, saying it could turn into a money pit.

Real estate broker Richard Rosen, a third-generation Whitmanite, is representing the church in the sale.

“This purchase makes all the sense in the world for the town,’’ he said. “We have something most towns don’t have: a thriving center.’’

He said the church already has a kitchen, and an adjacent town-owned lot would provide ample parking.

““Last year selectmen were talking about renovating the old armory into a senior center for about $5 million, and that building is in a terrible location,’’ Rosen said.

First Baptist Church corporate president Ed Winnett is working on the sale with Rosen.

“We do have other folks that are interested in buying the church, but we are offering it to the town first,’’ Winnett said. “As a taxpayer, I understand the economic times, but I think in the long haul, purchasing the church will benefit the town.’’

Kowalski said Town Meeting voters will get a balanced presentation on Monday of all the pros and cons. He said he plans to present the pros.

The Finance Committee will most likely present the other side, although details of Town Meeting are still being formed.

Christine Legere can be reached at christinelegere@yahoo.com.