*Recent Update: March 14 Meeting with Andrew Bagley and Kate Cook

Shiva and Jeff met with Andrew and Kate on Thursday at Shiva’s office then joined them for lunch.  Both Andrew and Kate appear interested in coming up with a solution that maintains the historic charm, integrity, and personality of the South Meetinghouse, the immediate neighborhood, and the South End as a whole.  The idea of a destination for artists as other towns/cities have been successful with like ideas may be a consideration.  We discussed the financial and hands on support the neighborhood is willing to provide.  We discussed other possibilities of property use, including office space for minority or women owned businesses on the second floor with art space on the first.  It was a fantastic interactive meeting.  This will not be a rushed decision as for timing- the council wants to meet and discuss all ideas of how to best use the property both fiscally and historically.  We have been told there is money set aside to paint the outside and make appropriate repairs to the roof.

Jeff had a telephone conversation after lunch with the City Manager.  She reiterated that, because of the interest in making sure property use is appropriate and fiscally sound for the town, the City Manager and Town Council have a planned meeting amongst themselves in the near future to discuss the property use.  The City Manager asked if we can speak at Monday’s meeting during public comments and talk about our interest and ideas for use so everyone on the council can understand our passion and potential recommended use of the building. 

Jeff spoke with another South End neighbor and there may be another group organizing/organized in the South End with similar interests we have.  It may make sense to reach out to join forces assuming the interests align.