By Bonnie Adams, Managing Editor
Northborough – After 10 months on the market, there are no buyers in sight for the historic White Cliffs estate. As a result, the owners of the 6.5-acre plus property applied for a demolition permit tonight at the Historical Commission meeting.
According to Michael Durkin, a Realtor with LAER Realty Partners, who is representing the current owners, the LaCava family, the decision was not an easy one to make.
“A lot of people have had ideas on what to do with it,“ he said. “But there not have been any serious buyers who have come forward.”
The building has been closed since its last function was held in mid- December.
The $2 million dollar price tag is certainly daunting, he noted.
“But that’s not the only expense,” he said. “There is probably another $2 – $ 3 million needed for deferred maintenance.”
Some of those needs include a sprinkler system, installing an elevator and other measures to bring the building up to code.
The family, Durkin said, hopes that by asking for the demolition permit, the process will move forward. A serious buyer might be motivated to step up, he said. If not, then taking down the building will help make the land more attractive to developers.
“It would be a step towards preparing for the future,” he said.
The Historical Commission will next hold a public hearing on the matter on Wednesday, Feb. 11.
According to the town’s demolition delay bylaw, the Building Commissioner will have six months to decide whether or not to issue the permit from the date of application, Jan. 21.
“I hope that this will help open up an informed discussion,” Durkin said.
“A lot of people want it to stay as it is,” he said. But it that’s the case, it needs to be bought with someone who can financially balance the use with their heart.”