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Plans Begin Rolling For Sand Springs Pool Committee

By Andy McKeeveriBerkshires Staff
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WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — The group of residents that banded together to try to buy the Sand Springs Pool is progressing through its due-dilligence.

According to Janette Dudley, spokeswoman for the group, the recently formed committee is in the process of planning out the specifics of forming a brand-new organization, writing out a business plan and fundraising.

Dudley said the process is "long-term" but things are beginning to move forward. The group met Thursday and in an e-mail Dudley provided bullet-points of the group's progress so far.

  • Pool maintenance expert has reviewed the mechanical equipment and will provide an informed estimate of operating expenses;

  • Research has been conducted on membership rates and numbers of members;

  • Insurance expert has provided an estimate of insurance costs;

  • Pro forma projections have been fine-tuned and show a positive cash flow in all operating years;

  • Research on possible tenants is underway;

  • Feasibility study drafting in process;
  • Fundraising roadmap under development
Additionally the group has been broken into subcommittees for marketing, leasing, food service, fund raising, negotiations and legal, Dudlet said.

Current owners, Wampanaug Springs Inc., closed the pool this year after trying to sell it since 2008. An employee tried to save the pool last year by applying for money from the Community Preservation Fund. The application failed without a motion from the town panel. The price is listed as $599,000.

The committee began meeting in March with their eyes set on reopening next year.
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Williamstown Board Opts to Negotiate with College on Water St. Lot

By Stephen DravisiBerkshires Staff

Newly elected board member Nate Budington, far left, participates in his first in-person meeting along with, from left, Matt Neely, Stephanie Boyd, Peter Beck, Shana Dixon and Town Manager Robert Menicocci.
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — The Select Board on Monday decided to enter into negotiations with Williams College on the sale of the vacant town-owned lot at 59 Water St.
 
But the board members made it clear that the college's proposal to acquire the lot is a starting point, not a final deal that the elected officials would accept.
 
"For the sake of continued conversation, I'm in favor of [awarding Williams the site], but if this process wasn't continued with the opportunity for further negotiation, I wouldn't vote to continue this," Peter Beck said. "I think that next step is necessary for us to get to a yes on this."
 
"I think there's wide agreement on that," Matthew Neely said just before the 5-0 vote to enter talks with the college.
 
Williams was the sole respondent to a town-issued request for proposals to develop the former town garage site, currently a dirt lot.
 
The college's stated intent is to build a new Facilities office and create up to 170 parking spaces at 59 Water Street. That use will allow the college to redevelop the current Facilities building site and parking lot as part of a reconception of the school's indoor athletic and recreation facilities.
 
Under the terms of the RFP, the college's proposal was subjected to review by an ad hoc advisory committee to the town manager, who brought the question to the Select Board. That board will have the final say on any purchase and sales agreement.
 
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