ROYALSTON – A dilapidated structure originally intended to become a studio will instead be torn down, following a report by Building Inspector Geoff Newton.

At Tuesday’s Selectboard meeting, Newton said that he, Fire Chief Eric Jack, and Winchendon resident James Abare – who Newton characterized as a “disinterested party”—visited the building, which had once served as a service station, inspection station and small diner. In his written report, Newton said, “For the last approximately 40 years, it has been left unused and gradually deteriorated. The last three owners have not invested in preserving the building.”

The most recent owner, Matt Heuser, went before the board in early November to discuss his plans for the site, which included building a small studio, repairing the roof and windows and putting in new plantings. However, Newton refused these plans, instead recommending that the building be taken down and Heuser come up with plans for a new structure. Heuser was not present for Tuesday’s meeting.

“We all reviewed that building very objectively. Nothing was worth salvage,” said Newton. “What we did notice – and it was lapse on my part – we found that the meter was still operating and there’s electricity there….I wouldn’t have even thought the thing was on. But we looked and could see it (the meter) just barely moving. And I don’t know why because that means something is (drawing power).”

A subsequent inspection by Royalston’s Electrical Inspector, Gary Terroy, confirmed electricity was indeed being fed into the decaying structure.

“When a person leaves electricity on in that failing building,” said Newton, “with all those roof rafters and all that stuff falling down, there’s arcing, sparking – all this stuff could happen. You should know better, but that isn’t the case.”

The building inspector concluded, “We have determined that it is a condemned building, it’s not salvageable, the whole roof is gone except for (a) small section which is due to come down – there’s nothing supporting it – and it’s a liability.”

Board Chair Deb D’Amico asked if the town would be within its rights to demolish the building, even though it is not owned by the town.

“We can put a lien onto that property,” Newton replied. “If not (the owner) isn’t going to be able to do anything there, that’s going to turn over in a tax-taking and the town is going to eventually own the property. Then we’ll be stuck with the whole bag.”

Board member Rick Martin, citing state law, said the town could demolish the building, then place any cost to the town onto a lien on any taxes owed by the owner.

The building inspector added that the town will have to hire a licensed contractor undertake the demolition. Public Works Director Jeret Thiem said quotes could be obtained if the cost of the project is between $10,000 and $50,000. Anything over that amount would require the solicitation of bids.

“I would feel most comfortable,” said D’Amico, “having the next step be getting a ballpark figure of what we’re talking about so that we know – do we need to put this out to bid or not? And my preference would be to get a quote for the whole thing, take it down and haul it away.”

While the decision was to raze the building, it may have another eight months of life left since the funds for demolition likely won’t be available until after the start of the next fiscal year on July 1, 2024. In addition, those funds will need to be approved as part of the FY25 budget by voters at the Annual Town Meeting in May. Demolition could begin sooner if funds for the work can be found in the current budget.

Newton said that Heuser should be notified of the board’s decision to demolish the building and put a lien on the property.

Greg Vine can be reached at gvineadn@gmail.com.