Biscuit Building Bidder Could Try Again

By Susan Bush
12:00AM / Sunday, May 08, 2005

A from-the-street-view of the Clark Biscuit building

North Adams – After learning that the city declined a $1 bid to purchase the H.W. Clark Biscuit Co. property, bidder and developer Robert Maynard of Clarksburg said he might make a second attempt to acquire the vacant Ashland Street site.

And he is pursuing other development opportunities, he said.

Mayor John Barrett III reportedly said late last week that Maynard’s bid, which included a request for a one-year tax exemption and a five-year plan for condominium development, would not be accepted. Published reports quoted Barrett as saying that Maynard’s plan was “the right concept, not the right financial package,” and Barrett also reportedly welcomed Maynard to try again during a potential second bid process. The city had 30 days to consider Maynard’s bid, which was opened on April 26 and was the only bid received for the property. A state Land Court granted property ownership to the city in 2004 based on $24,000 in unpaid property taxes. Earlier this year, city councilors approved selling the site.

The building hosts boarded and broken windows.

Speaking on May 8, Maynard said that he might submit an altered bid and proposal, should a second bidding round occur.

“We might submit again,” Maynard said. “We could incorporate some changes, such as elderly housing. We have ideas. I don’t want to say much more than that right now.”

He is open to discussing property use options with city officials, he said.

Also under consideration are potential plans involving three properties, one a Clarksburg duplex and two city-based multi-unit buildings. The sites are under private ownership and at least one of the sites is advertised as being for sale, he noted.

Affordable housing and more space for youth activities seem to be local priorities, Maynard said.

“We are going to steer in that direction,” he said of his intentions. “We are going to pursue something.”

Surrounding locales such as Stamford, Vt. or Williamstown could be considered as potential development sites if appropriate opportunities presented, he added.

His desire to work cooperatively with municipal leaders hasn’t diminished and he remains committed to building quality projects that enhance communities, he stressed. Maynard owns rental properties in the city and Clarksburg and has praised Barrett’s

Two entrances face the street.

efforts toward cleaning up and beautifying the city.
Maynard has completed several renovation projects and said that he is dedicated to quality standards. In some cases, the projects have involved significant time and money, he said.

“It does take some time to get them [dilapidated buildings] there [to his standards],” Maynard said.

Susan Bush can be reached by calling 802-823-9367 or by e-mail at suebush123@adelphia.net.