Question No. 1 on the ballot in Freeport proposes to buy the vacant lot at 22 Main St. next to Town Hall. To many, it is the gateway to Freeport’s downtown. It is situated between the Freeport Public Safety Building and Freeport’s Town Hall. The owners of the property have offered to sell it to the town for $500,000. In 2020, an appraisal was completed showing a value $555,000. If the town declines this opportunity to buy 22 Main St., the owners have indicated that they will sell the property on the public market, and intend to ask $625,000.

The Town Council has voted to put the purchase decision to the voters at the Nov. 5 general election. The referendum question asks whether the town should bond the $500,000 amount to purchase 22 Main St., subject to appraisal for at least the purchase price and a satisfactory environmental investigation. If approved for purchase, the future uses of 22 Main St. would be controlled by the Town Council.

This parcel is in a key location on Main Street sandwiched between Freeport’s two primary municipal structures. Even if the town decided to sell the property one day, the council would have control over the selection of the use and the user. Presently, that is not the case.

We don’t need another fast food business or unappealing commercial use on that particular lot. Possible future uses include an open space for markets, festivals and gatherings; location for new municipal building in the future; resale by the town to a developer it would choose for downtown housing or commercial activity.

Whatever the ultimate use, purchase of the lot will put the town in control. Freeporters should support bond issue No. 1.

Ed Bradley
Chalmers Hardenbergh
Susan Nourse
John Paterson
Ford Reiche