Reconsider
Co-op Building

I am sad to see that the board voted down the opportunity to bid on the Co-op space. I think it is a home-run all the way around for the town. 

The shared property aspect is a win/win situation in the way of shared expense and shared property pride. It would be an excellent example to ALL of the community in a local sense. It might set a very positive tone in Randolph, that would impact our downtown most positively.

Along with this transition, if we were to win the bid, I see the police station being able to have a new location at the old municipal building, and the Historical Society might be able to expand, or a community center could go there, or small retail shops could be in place of the current police station. This change might be the most feasible plan to date, and could facilitate positive change in the downtown. Someone needs to set the tone of "Less is more".

As the rumor swelled of this idea over the past couple of weeks, I did not hear any complaints, or criticism about this idea. It seemed a very welcome concept from all who talked about it.

"Finally a sensible and cost effective solution", was a comment that I vividly recall. 

It seems better to pay 35% of the bill, than the whole thing. I also think that a solution to the vault could be figured out. Buy a corner of the lower level, or add on a small addition to the ground level. It seems that in is current neighborhood, the building has caused as much of a headache as could be had. In considering neighbors and co-operative partners, the town office group should be pro's at handling those politics. 

I am sorry not to have been at that selectboard meeting. It seemed like a no-brainer of a decision to at least be in the game. I hope I am not the only one that feels this way. It is not likely that another opportunity as bright as this one will come along again.

A voice for simplicity and reuse,

Andrea Easton

Randolph