VIDEO: Historical Commission Opposes Bradstreet Idea

Kathleen Szyska, chair of the North Andover Historical Commission, attended Monday night's Board of Selecten meeting to see -- and respond to -- the presentation by the group proposing to tear down te Bradstreet School.

Szyska said the Commission strongly opposes the plan to demolish the building and construct new buildings with residential and retail space.

Things became a little tense when selectmen asked Szyska why no one spoke out at Town Meeting when the vote to approve selling the building was taken. Szyska said they didn't know demolishing the school was part of a potential deal. But the possibility of demolishing the building -- as well as discussion on whether or not to put a caveat forbidding demolition in any sale contract -- has been up for discussion since the topic of selling the school was first raised. and in every discussion about it leading up to Town Meeting.

The town would have to spend about $9 million to keep and renovate the existing building. Coalition For a Better Acre is proposing to tear down the school and construct apartments and retail mixed-use buildings. Of Coalition For a Better Acre kept the Bradstreet building up, representatives said, then retail space would not be feasible.

Selectmen will meet again to discuss the proposal and get feedback from the public.