Seekonk Voters Object to Firefly Sale

A proposal to sell the Firefly properties was soundly rejected by voters at Monday’s Town Meeting. There were 20 yes votes, with 257 in opposition.

At the November 2024 Town Meeting, voters authorized the Select Board to purchase the “Firefly Golf Course” property located at 320 Fall River Avenue, along with 763 and 769 Arcade Avenue for $6.9 million. The properties, consisting of 55 acres, were owned by developer Charles Tapalian.

Select Board member Gary Sagar explained there was an “interested buyer” who offered $10 million for the property. Sagar noted the “substantial tax revenue” which would be generated from the sale.

Board member Pam Pozzi expressed her opposition to the sale, noting the property could be used as a park or a golf course.

“We did not have a plan for (the property),” Board Chairperson Michelle Hines said.

Resident Doreen Taylor called the purchase a “totally ridiculous waste of money.”

Other residents believed the land could be used by the school department.

“We have Hurley Middle School falling into disrepair, you have two elementary schools that are completely at capacity,” said Amy Lyons. “The town is quickly finding themselves needing another school.”

Voters also rejected a proposal to sell the property known as “Old Town Hall”, located at 624 Taunton Avenue. The building, which dates back to 1897, was used as the headquarters for the Police Department at one time and has been sitting vacant for many years.

“I can see in the future we may have a couple of needs for it,” said Hines.

Pozzi noted the Old Town Hall was a “historic building” and could be converted to use as a historical museum, an art center, or a meeting hall.

There were 89 votes in favor of the sale, with 167 in opposition.

Voters did authorize the sale of the property known as “County Street Fire Station” located at 170 County Street. The building has been used for storage.

Also approved was the appropriation of $1,600,000 from the Building & Infrastructure Stabilization Fund for the purchase of a parcel of land and building located at 911 Taunton Avenue, consisting of approximately 3.35 acres. The property and the building will be linked to the current Department of Public Works (DPW) facility. The vote was 221 in favor, with 34 in opposition.

Other warrant articles which were approved:

• Raise and appropriate or transfer $533,351.85 from Free Cash to the Stabilization Fund, $533,351.85 from Free Cash to the Municipal Capital Stabilization Fund, $533,351.85 from Free Cash to the Building & Infrastructure Stabilization Fund, and $533,351.85 from Free Cash to the Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) Trust Fund.
• Transfer from Free Cash the sum of $43,470 to the Special Education Stabilization Fund.
• Transfer from Free Cash or available funds in the treasury the sum of $285,000.00 for the purpose of purchasing and installing a new Fire Department station alerting system.
• Appropriate $295,000 to fund the first fiscal year of a three-year collective bargaining agreement between the Town and the Fraternal Order of Police, MCOP, Local #215.
• Transfer from Free Cash the sum of $85,000 for the purpose of repairing and refinishing the High School gymnasium floor.
• Transfer from the PEG Cable Access and Cable Related fund the sum of $146,865 as a grant to Seekonk Cable Access, Inc., the Town’s PEG Access Provider, to carry out its PEG Access Provider functions in FY’2026.

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