LETTER: First, True Cost of Town Hall Repairs is Needed

To the editor:

“North Kingstown is a community with character and historic heritage that is recognized and valued by its residents.”

“The majority of residents surveyed marked North Kingstown’s character as the aspect they most liked about town.”

Both of these statements taken directly from our current Comprehensive Plan.

A major part of our character is defined by our old brick historic buildings. The town places a heavy burden on all residents and businesses to maintain their historic structures. It’s a shame when local government, who enforces historic regulations, gives up and looks to have a fire sale of prominent historic assets under their control. What kind of example do we set for this historic village when we as elected officials relinquish responsibilities and move into newer facilities? Why does the town not lead by example? Does this foreshadow the end of historic Wickford? And just recently it has come to light that the State Historical and Preservation Commission holds an easement on our Town Hall. Why wasn’t this brought to our attention earlier?

In a discussion while leaving a recent council meeting, a group asked me why we would spend $700K improving what was a temporary structure when first erected instead of fixing a national historic structure?

Public health and safety, including that of our town staff, has always been and will always be a priority. These concerns led to an early acceptance from those advising in the general handling of the situation. Unfortunately the lack of credibility (particularly evident when told Wickford Junction was our only option to relocate), misinformation, and unwillingness to get quotes for some violations and moving costs has cast shadows on all information being provided; requiring Council member Waxman and I to solicit this information ourselves.

We need to determine the true cost of outstanding Town Hall repair work which would bring us up to code and allow us to safely occupy for a 3-5 year period while the new Government Center Committee along with voters support determines the best alternative for Town Hall. If the few outstanding repairs are significantly more than the cost of relocating, by all means we should set up temporary housing at Fairway Drive. Keep in mind all repairs made to date are paid for whether we relocate or not. However, it seems that by keeping the basement door locked, and addressing the few remaining items left, the costs may be much less.

I don’t have deep pockets, nor do most taxpayers in town and none of this is budgeted.

It may be comforting to many that the council cannot sell Town Hall or the Annex without voter approval. However, if we relocate to Fairway Drive, what happens to these buildings? With no plans or desire to make the outstanding repairs, does the council just let them fall into further disrepair until voters finally agree to sell them off like Wickford El? Do they add to the ever increasing inventory of vacant buildings in town?

Kevin Maloney

NK Town Council