Selectmen Approve Demolition of Francis Farm Buildings

Two buildings at Francis Farm are falling apart and will be demolished. One of them is the carriage shed, which Rehoboth Selectman Chairman Skip Vadnais said is “listing badly.” The other is the old pavilion, which used to house a restaurant. Vadnais said Monday the building is “falling into itself.” The board authorized Vadnais to do whatever work was required to seek a demolition permit.

The Council on Aging staff are making plans to move to Francis Farm following last September’s devastating fire at the old facility at 55 Bay State Road. The 7200 square foot building was a total loss and the insurance proceeds will be 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. “When we were at town meeting, it was noted that there were a couple of sketchy buildings that we didn’t have any plans for,” said Selectman Jim Muri. “This doesn’t effect any of the premium buildings that we really purchased the site for.”

Before the demolition work begins, signage will be removed. Other assets will be sent to the Highway Department for safekeeping and evaluation. “We’re going to save whatever can be saved,” Vadnais said. “We have a video of all the assets. We’re keeping track of what leaves the property.”