The Fall River City Council last night voted not to sell the Bank Street Armory to a local developer seeking to convert the historic structure into market rate and affordable housing.
The sale of the armory has been before the council since last summer with a split between members who think the sale of the building is the best option for saving the structure while others want the city to retain ownership for community use. Six members voted to reject the sale while three voted in favor.
During the debate before the vote, City Councilor Brad Kilby urged his colleagues to approve the sale, asserting the city would not have the financial resources to refurbish the armory and maintain it.
City Councilor Cliff Ponte voted against the sale, rejecting the future use of the armory combined with uncertainties as to how much renovations would cost.
So what’s next for the armory? Mayor Paul Coogan says the administration will soon begin to explore the next steps.
The mayor says the city needs to look at its priorities when considering whether it wants to take up the task of repairing and maintaining the armory.
Comments are closed.