BRISTOL — The Bristol Recreation Department is one step closer to getting a new rec center, next door to property owned by the Bristol Recreation Club.
The town of Bristol on Aug. 20 signed a deal to buy a home on 0.59 acre at 76 West St. for $166,500, the assessed value of the property. The fate of the house there remains unclear.
Voters must approve the purchase at next year’s annual town meeting.
In the long run, the move could save Bristol money by consolidating programs in one location, according to officials.
“The Bristol Recreation Department offers many programs that have significant participation. Several programs are housed in separate locations that include monthly rent expenses and are operationally inefficient,” reads the contract Bristol signed with Chris Huston of Bellwether Architects.
The selectboard will soon appoint a seven- to nine-member steering committee to work with town officials, architects and the public to evaluate the project, examine cost elements, study alternatives and present information to the voters, said Town Administrator Valerie Capels.
Other purchase contingencies include routine inspections and an accommodation to the sellers, Edward and Suzanne Shepard, to remain at the home for 60 days to allow for the completion of their new home using proceeds from the sale.
Reach Christopher Ross at [email protected].