Dalton Fire District Voters OK 'Surprise' Building Purchase

DALTON, Mass. — For several years, the district has been working with limited space, and a vote at the annual meeting is expected to help ease those constraints.

 

During the meeting on Tuesday at the Stationary Factory, 48 voters approved 24 of the 25 articles on the warrant, including the purchase of 30-32 Flansburgh Ave., directly next to the current station. 

 

If the property passes the home inspection, the district would purchase the multi-family home from its current owner Richard Olsted for $350,000. 

 

The property is a two-family duplex built in 1920 with more than 6,000 square feet on a fifth of an acre. Its assessed value according to information in the town's database is $305,200. It's estimated on Zillow at $312,500, with a potential high of $350,000.

 

As part of the agreement for the purchase cost, the district agreed to allow Olsted to reside in one of the building's units for as long as he chooses, with the understanding that he will be responsible for utilities and will not be required to pay rent.

 

The foreseeable purpose of the other units will be to create proper housing for emergency services personnel. 

 

The department currently has three makeshift bedrooms in the fire station that were described as not well suited for a regular ambulance service.