Francis Farm Building May Be Saved

The carriage barn at Francis Farm may not be demolished after all. The Rehoboth Board of Selectmen voted Monday to allow a structural engineer to inspect the building. The funds for the expenditure will be drawn from the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) account. The barn, along with a pavilion, were reported to be in poor condition.

Meanwhile, preparations are being made for the Council on Aging to relocate into their new facilities at Francis Farm in September or October.

The Council on Aging staff have been working out of offices on Winthrop Street following last September’s devastating fire at the former facility at 55 Bay State Road. The 7200 square foot building was a total loss and the insurance proceeds are being used to purchase materials and equipment for the new COA.

Voters at the May town meeting approved the purchase of the 47 acre property at a cost of $2.8 million.